What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

If you ever find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, it is vital that you reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Being in a car accident can be a traumatic and unforgettable experience. You may be dealing with severe injuries while also trying to start a legal battle. It can be significantly stressful for you. Above all, you should know what to do after a car accident in Texas. A good lawyer can provide knowledgeable counsel throughout this situation.

Being involved in a car accident can result in severe mental distress on top of ongoing medical problems if your injuries are particularly severe. To better cope with the aftermath of your accident, you may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group, like Coping Skills & Stress Management or Online Trauma Processing Group. Talking to someone about everything you’ve been through can be beneficial in many ways.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

According to data collected by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were nearly 428,000 vehicular accidents throughout Texas in 2022 alone. Of those accidents, almost 2,200 resulted in fatalities. Car accidents are not uncommon in this state, and it is vital that you do what you can to keep from being taken advantage of by insurance companies and negligent drivers if you are involved in one.

The actions you take immediately following a car accident in Texas are going to define the trajectory of your accident claim. Depending on how you pursue legal action, including making sure your case adheres to the state’s statute of limitations of two years, succeeding in your case may be easier or harder. It all starts here. Be sure to take some necessary steps to keep yourself protected, including many of the following:

• Keep calm. Above all, you need to try your hardest to remain calm throughout this ordeal. Remaining calm after a car accident is not easy, but you should still try your hardest to keep calm throughout this ordeal. Panicking won’t help anybody, and it may just make things worse for everyone, especially yourself.
• Check yourself for injuries. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be in a profound state of shock. You might not even realize you have been injured. Try to take a moment to check yourself for any obvious injuries; then, check your passengers. Look for red spots, bruising, blood, protrusions, sprains, and broken bones. If you can’t find an injury but you’re in pain, be sure to say something to the EMTs.
• Call 911. As soon as you can, be sure to notify the proper authorities of what’s happened. If you are too injured or lightheaded to call, try to get somebody else to make the call for you. You will want police to block off the scene and EMTs to check everyone for injuries. When you meet with the EMTs, let them do their work, and be totally honest with them.
• Don’t flee. Whatever you do, do not flee the scene of the accident. This is illegal under Texas state law and could result in considerably worse legal trouble for you.
• Move your car. If possible, you may want to move your car to the shoulder if the police say it’s okay. You don’t want to cause another accident because your car is sitting in the middle of oncoming traffic.
• Exchange information. You and the other driver will need to exchange the necessary contact information. Get their name, phone number, and insurance carrier. Then, get their insurance carrier’s contact information. Give them the same information.
• Document the scene. Once the police have cleared you, you can start documenting the accident scene for your own records. Take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage done to both vehicles, the condition of the accident scene, and any relevant road signs in the area. Speak to any witnesses who may be willing to provide a statement on your behalf.
• Contact your insurance. You will have to contact your insurance carrier and tell them you were in an accident. Don’t take any responsibility for the accident. Accepting blame can seriously hurt your settlement. Be honest about what happened, but don’t accept blame.
• Hire a lawyer. Finally, once you have documentation, evidence, a police report, and medical records, you should contact a car accident lawyer who can put together a compelling case for compensatory damages.

FAQs

Q: What Happens After a Car Accident in Texas?

A: A lot can happen after a car accident in Texas. You may be feeling disoriented and scared, which is understandable. You will still have to speak with police, get checked by EMTs, exchange insurance information, and contact a lawyer to get started on your personal injury claim. Throughout it all, you may be seriously injured. Your personal injury lawyer can help you get all the necessary documents ready.

Q: Should I File an Insurance Claim If I Am Not at Fault?

A: Yes, you should file an insurance claim, even if you are not at fault for the accident. You should always contact your insurance company after you have been in an accident, especially if you are injured or your property was damaged. Notifying your insurance company can prevent your rates from increasing and protect your rights.

Q: Is a Car Accident Lawyer Really Necessary?

A: Yes, a car accident lawyer is really necessary. After being involved in a car accident, you may not know what you have to do next to secure your claim. You may make mistakes when talking to your insurance company. You may accidentally admit fault. A good lawyer can prevent you from making any crucial mistakes. They can take control of your case, allowing you to focus on healing from your injuries.

Q: Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Accident in Texas?

A: Yes, you generally have to file a police report after a car accident in Texas. However, you only have to do so if the accident resulted in a serious injury, someone’s death, or property damage that exceeded $1,000. If the police are present on the scene and the accident includes one or all of these factors, they will fill out a report for you. To access it, you will need to go to your local police department or tell your lawyer, who can do it for you.

Reach Out Today

At The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., we can represent your interests throughout your case. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.