There are nearly 4,500 fatalities on Texas roadways annually, with nearly 20,000 people sustaining serious injury, according to reports. Serious injuries can be catastrophic, leaving you with outrageous medical costs and lost wages. This a recipe for disaster, and an experienced car accident attorney can help you recover damages for your injuries.
A car accident can leave you injured and scrambling to cover costs with no money coming in from lost wages. Your head is likely spinning as you wonder what your responsibilities are. Here’s an important checklist to help you after being in a car accident.
Assess Safety and Call 911
The first thing you’ll want to do is assess everyone’s safety and call 911. This will help ensure everyone gets the immediate medical attention they need. Even if you don’t think you need an ambulance at the scene, it’s important to call 911 and report the accident.
Serious injuries are not always apparent, and you can be left with internal injuries which cause bleeding. If you were involved in a serious car accident, then chances are you may have been on a busy roadway. Snap a quick picture with your phone and consider moving the vehicles if they can be moved. If not it may just be necessary to get yourself and others out of harm’s way.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver but don’t admit any fault. Get all their contact information, such as name, phone number, address, and the name of their insurance company. If they will give it to you, it helps to get the other person’s driver’s license number as well. You should also write down their license plate number.
Many times, people lend their vehicles out, and unscrupulous drivers may not tell you the truth, so the more information you have, the better. If there are any passengers in the vehicle, write down their names and contact information as well.
Take Pictures and Gather Evidence
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene if you are able. Get pictures of both vehicles and any skid marks on the road. You’ll also want to document any resulting property damage as well as the scene surrounding the accident. It can help support your version of events.
File Your Claim
Report the accident to your insurance company. Don’t indulge or lay blame when telling your story. Just give them the facts and tell them what happened. When the reporting officer comes to take your statement, just give them the facts and nothing else. This will help fulfill your legal reporting obligation, but it is also helpful to get a copy of the incident report. And you should contact a car accident attorney.
Call a Car Accident Attorney
Call an experienced car accident attorney. They will listen to your story carefully and let you know if you are due compensation for your injuries due to someone else’s negligence. A highly skilled but compassionate car accident attorney can help you navigate the court system and recover damages to help pay for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call a car accident attorney who will fight for your rights today.
