It goes without saying that being involved in an any sort of auto accident can be an emotionally trying and traumatic experience, even if you haven’t suffered a severe injury. You may be filled with a range of emotions from shock, anger, or fear as you ask yourself “Why did this happen to me?” But it is important to try and maintain your composure following an auto accident and to follow the steps below if you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Texas.
Call the Police
Even if no severe injuries occurred as a result of the accident and the damage to vehicles was minimal, it is still important to call the police to report the auto accident.
An accident report filed by a neutral police officer who has been trained to determine the cause of an accident will prove invaluable in ultimately proving who was at fault. Without the objective view of a police report, it can be difficult to prove who was at fault because ultimately the two parties will point the finger at one another and stories have a tendency to change over time.
Collect Information
Provided your own injuries don’t prevent you from doing so, it is important that you check on the vehicle to ensure that the other driver and any passengers are okay. You should be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Also, remember to never admit that you are at fault; even offering a simple “I’m sorry” can be construed as an admission of guilt. It’s best to stick to the formalities and exchange information.
As you await the arrival of a police officer, you should promptly speak with any potential witnesses who may be able to offer their perspective on what happened and to take down their name and phone number. If you don’t get this information following an accident, it can be virtually impossible to do so at a later date.
Finally, don’t forget to use your cell phone camera to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles as well as the accident scene, which can help tell a more complete story.
Seek Medical Care
Sometimes following an accident, we may be in shock and not realize the true extent of our injuries, or other times we chalk up stiffness or soreness as minor aches and pains when it could be the symptom of a more serious injury. In any case, it is imperative that you seek out the opinion of an experienced medical professional following an auto accident, as they may be able to identify more serious injuries or those that may have long-term ramifications.
The three steps above are something you should do immediately following an auto accident in Texas, but it is by no means the end of the journey. The next steps will involve insurance companies, auto repairs and mechanics, and other headaches, which is why it is also important that you contact an experienced Dallas car accident attorney to answer any questions you may have and to help you deal with the at-fault party and any insurance companies.
Unfortunately, it is in the insurance companies best interest to start building their case against you as soon as they are notified about the auto accident, which is why it is crucial that you have an experienced attorney on your side.
Fears Nachawati Law Firm has represented many individuals and families following auto accidents throughout Texas and is dedicated to providing the best legal representation possible.
A Dallas car accident attorney, like Fears Nachawati, will be able to help you through the difficult weeks and months ahead following an auto accident and will ensure that the law works for you, not against you. Give them a call at (866) 705-7584, or pay them a visit at their Dallas office on Greenville Avenue. Offices are also available in Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.