Car accidents happen fast, and things only escalate in the days following. That’s why knowing your next steps ahead of time could increase your chances of obtaining a desirable settlement.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Immediately after a car accident, ensure you are safe and move the vehicle out of the way of incoming traffic wherever possible. This way, you can reduce your risk of further injury, property damage, and additional traffic accidents.
Get Medical Attention ASAP
You need to obtain a medical evaluation immediately after the accident. You might feel fine in the aftermath of your crash, but your injuries could prove far more debilitating than you realize. If your injuries remain untreated, they could worsen. Invisible injuries are known to be catastrophic if left untreated.
Furthermore, if you do not obtain a medical evaluation, the liable party will likely argue that your injuries were not as severe as you claim. With medical records, you can easily refute these claims and prove the extent of your injuries.
Take Pictures & Videos if Possible
If you are able to safely move, use your phone to document the scene. You can take photos of the damage and videos of the crash site from multiple angles. This evidence can greatly help an accident reconstructionist form their reports and establish liability for the crash.
It is also important during this time to secure contact information of any witnesses and other involved parties. Additionally, you can make note of traffic cameras, homes, or businesses nearby that could have caught your collision on camera. However, know that video evidence of the accident may only be available for a limited amount of time before it is filmed over or erased.
Don’t Make a Statement to the Insurance Company
One of the biggest mistakes injury victims make after an accident is speaking to the insurance company. Insurance adjusters may come off as polite and compassionate, but they are not on your side.
Insurance companies lose money by paying out on claims. They talk to you to find out how the accident happened and who is responsible. No matter who is to blame, the insurance company will look for opportunities to reduce the amount of compensation they are required to pay you in order to protect their own profit margins.
Protect yourself by allowing your attorney to negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. If the insurance company contacts you, give them your lawyer’s contact information, and we can provide them with the facts they need to continue processing your claim fairly.
What to Do in the Days & Weeks Following the Accident
In the days and weeks after your accident, you should take certain steps to begin building your case against the liable party. You need as much evidence as possible to support the severity of your injuries.
Gather All Your Hospital Bills
While undergoing medical treatment for your car accident injuries, keep track of all your hospital bills and other injury-related medical expenses. The liable party and their insurance company should be required to cover these costs.
You should not be stuck covering medical expenses for any injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Be sure to keep all your medical receipts, copies of bills that come in, statements from your healthcare provider, and any other documents that demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the costs of your car accident treatment.
Report the Car Accident
Having a car accident report could provide valuable evidence to support your case. When you contact the police after an accident, and emergency responders arrive at the scene, they can complete an accident report on your behalf.
If police are not called to the accident scene, you can file a car accident report of your own with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). A crash report includes but is not limited to the following information:
- When the accident occurred
- Responsible parties
- Weather conditions
- Vehicle speed
- Road hazards
Hire A Car Accident Attorney
A reputable Texas car accident lawyer at Kemmy Law Firm can help you navigate the claims process and bring the liable party to justice. Our firm will investigate your case to identify all potential liable parties, gather the evidence to prove negligence in your case, and ensure every loss is paid accordingly.
When you are ready to make the liable party pay for their negligent actions, do not hesitate to contact our team for a free consultation. You can reach us through our quick contact form or by phone at (830) 264-6297 to get started on your case as soon as today.
Kemmy Law Firm serves clients across Texas:
Car Accident Lawyers in Odessa, Texas
101 N Jackson Ave
Odessa, Texas 79761
Car Accident Lawyers in San Antonio, Texas
1924 N Main Ave
San Antonio, Texas 78212
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