Step 1: Safety
Your priority should be to ensure safety. Take a deep breath and look around. Then ask yourself these questions:
Did the Accident Injure Anyone?
Injuries are common after a car accident. You and your passengers should be checked for injuries. You should be in good health. If you can help them, please do so. You can call for help if you cannot move due to an injury.
Are you in a dangerous zone?
Texas law states that vehicles must be removed from traffic and roads after a collision to ensure that they are operable. Your hazard lights should be activated to alert others about your accident. Once you are out of your vehicle, move quickly away from any oncoming traffic.
Step 2: Do Not Admit Fault
An admission of fault in a car crash can have severe consequences for any insurance claim or lawsuit against you. Even apologizing for an accident to another driver or officer could be an admission of guilt.
Texas Contributory Negligence Act
Texas has a modified comparative negligence statute that applies to car accidents. This law prohibits people from claiming damages if they are more than half at fault for an accident. Each party’s percentage will be considered in a car accident case. The victim’s percentage of blame reduces the victim’s potential monetary recovery, provided it stays below 50%. If a party is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, they can only recover 80% of the damages. However, if they are proven to be 51% responsible, they won’t be entitled to any damages.
Step 3: Call the police and seek medical attention
Police will conduct an initial investigation into the accident and prepare an accident report. The accident report contains crucial information that could be used in future car accident claims. It is vital to ensure that the police are present to make a report after an accident.
No matter how minor an injury might seem, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, take several weeks or even months to develop. It is essential to have medical records in case you need them.
Step 4: Call a Lawyer
An experienced Pasadena Texas personal injury attorney will help you navigate complicated insurance and legal claims. A top-rated car accident lawyer is essential to secure maximum financial compensation.
Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident injuries often aren’t immediately apparent. There may be long-lasting psychological effects as well as visible injuries. An attorney can help you get damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Attorney for Car Accident Property Damage
After a car accident, there is the possibility of financial recovery for property damage. An experienced lawyer in car accidents can help you get compensation for any damage to your vehicle or the value of your vehicle.
Car Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer
Tragically, car accident injuries can lead to death. A wrongful death lawyer would represent the family members and estate representatives in a lawsuit against the negligent party if the fatal accident were caused or aggravated by the careless or reckless actions of another. Find out more about wrongful-death lawsuits.
What evidence will my attorney need to prove my car accident lawsuit?
The best time to gather evidence is right after the accident if you are physically able. You will still be able to find details about the incident in the police reports if you were taken immediately to the hospital. Here is some evidence that your Texas car accident lawyer will likely need to prove your case.
Accident Report
Texas law requires that police officers create an accident report for every accident scene they attend. You will receive the accident report within ten days.
Information for Everyone
Texas law requires that car accident victims must exchange information:
- Names
- Addresses
- Information about vehicle registration
- Information about insurance
- Information about driver’s license
Witness Statements
Witness statements are essential for proving fault and liability. Witnesses can be reliable sources of information because they can give impartial accounts of what happened before, during, and after an accident. Witnesses are reliable sources of information. Get their contact information and write down the details.
Photos & Videos
Photograph and video the scene of the car crash if you can. Pay attention to injuries and damage to cars and the area around the accident. These photos and videos could prove invaluable for your Texas car accident lawyer and your case.
Additional helpful items:
These are also essential pieces of information that may prove helpful in your case against a car accident injury.
- Before and after the collision: Location of the vehicle
- Weather conditions (rain/fog/ice)
- Road conditions (poor signage and cracks in roads)
- Time of day
Step 5: Filing a Lawsuit and Getting Insurance
It can be overwhelming to speak with large insurance companies or file a lawsuit after a car accident. A skilled Texas car accident lawyer can help you reduce your anxiety and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Notify your insurance carrier that you’ve been in a wreck
Many insurance companies require that you notify them within a specified time about your car accident. Call your insurance company immediately and tell them what happened.
Do I need to contact the insurance company for the other driver?
Contacting the insurance company for the other driver is placing yourself at risk. Any information you share can be used against your case and damaged. The other party’s insurance company may tempt you to accept a low settlement offer. It is best to have your attorney for car accidents handle correspondence with insurance companies.
After a Car Accident, File a Lawsuit
It can be daunting and challenging to navigate the complex legal issues involved in car accident lawsuits. An experienced Texas car accident lawyer is the best person to handle these legal processes. These lawyers will ensure that all legal procedures are completed promptly and with the right level of professionalism. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations to bring a car accident lawsuit. This applies to both personal injury claims and property damage cases.