A car accident may happen in seconds. One big, loud explosion can change your life. You might be confused, hurting, internally bleeding or unsure what to do next. What you do after your accident matters. Your response can affect you personally, monetarily or right of action. Here are the most important things personal injury lawyers from Houston want you to do in the event of an accident.
Step 1: Pull over to the side of the road and look for injured people
“Safety first.”.
Stop and look around. Is there anyone hurt, including yourself? If you can, get out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Lay out your cones or flares to alert other traffic if you have them. Do not try to move seriously unless you are in danger from fire or exposure. Call for help.
Step 2: Call 911 Immediately
Call a doctor and the police. Even for a minor accident, a police report has to be made. It creates date, time, and circumstance. On-site physicians can also X-ray for unexpected trauma such as whiplash, concussion, or internal injury. Do not skip this step. The physician’s report and police report will usually end up as evidence later on in your case.
Step 3: Never Admit Fault or Guess
Feelings run high after the collision. Keep calm. Talk facts — not hypotheses. Report what occurred, not who you think was at fault. For example:
“The green light was on, and I was going straight.”
“Sorry, I didn’t see you.”
Your apology if forced will hurt your case. Keep descriptions factual and brief.
Step 4: Take Photos of the Scene
Where you can, photograph as much as possible at the accident site. Photograph:
- Damage to every vehicle
- Skid marks on the road from tires
- Broken glass, debris, and signs
- Traffic lights, signs, and weather
- Close-up of license plates
- Your own injuries and other injuries that you can see
Don’t leave home without your camera phone. Short video clips work, too. The more you have, the stronger your case. Jot down a few quick notes because memory remains fresh — where the accident took place, speed at which you were going, and what you observed before crashing.
Step 5: Swap Information
Exchange information with the driver of the other car:
- Name, street address, and phone number
- License number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Make, model, and color of the vehicle
In addition, obtain witness details. They will remember later what occurred. If possible, have an officer come to the scene, and obtain the officer’s badge number and name to retain on file.
Step 6: Obtain Medical Assistance Immediately
Don’t think you’re okay.
Even though you don’t hurt, go see a doctor within 24 hours. Pain and stiffness won’t appear until later. The quicker you do, the better your chances of attributing your injury to the accident, which is better for your case or insurance. Copy your reports, X-rays, or prescriptions. They establish that your injuries were a direct result of the accident — and not something else.
Step 7: Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Call the insurance company immediately. Use hard facts — date, time, location. Don’t speculate as to what occurred in the accident. Don’t provide a recorded statement over the phone without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are friendly people but are in business to make money. Be respectful, but to the point.
Step 8: Get and File All Papers
Have all papers related to the accident kept in a file or cloud storage. Have:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Medical records and bills
- Car repair bills
- Work notes for missed days
- Letters to and from insurance company
These are your costs and pain measured. Your attorney can use them to estimate reasonable fees.
Step 9: Avoid Social Media
Don’t surf the Internet and post about the accident. A “feeling good” smiley photo will cost you your case. Insurance companies have social media monitor accounts. They will attempt to claim that you are not hurt. Don’t discuss the accident or injury you suffered until your case is resolved.
Step 10: Get a Houston Personal Injury Attorney
Your Texas attorney is familiar with Texas traffic law and Texas courts. Call an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer today. Your lawyer can:
- Retrieve missing evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters
- Give you an estimate of the reasonable value of your case
- File your case on time if necessary
Texas has strict time limits in cases involving injuries. The longer you wait, the weaker your right to sue. Free consultation is offered by most attorneys, and they only receive payment if they win.
How a Houston Lawyer Builds Your Case
Once you have them hired, your lawyer launches an investigation. Your lawyer goes to the scene, reviews traffic cameras, and gets your medical records. Your lawyer interviews specialists like accident reconstructionists or doctors. Your attorney proves that the other motorist caused the accident and hurt you. They support your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through evidence. And then they negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies. If the insurance company won’t pay fairly, your lawyer will take your case to trial before a jury.
Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Case
Most individuals lose valid claims because of minor errors. Don’t do these:
- Waiting too long to see a doctor
- Saying “I’m okay” when you’re not
- Accepting the first offer from insurance
- Failing to get legal practice help early
- Ignoring follow-up care or therapy
Each mistake can lower your salary. Remain vigilant and follow your lawyer’s advice carefully.
How Long Does a Case Take?
Each case is different. Simple cases resolve within a few months. Others are more drawn out where there is severe injury or questionable fault. Be patient. A lowball offer also means fewer checks. Your lawyer’s goal is to get for you the much money for your injuries as possible — not fast money that will be worthless when it’s needed later.
Why Timing and Evidence Matter
Texas is a “fault” state. That is, the at-fault party pays. But to prove fault, you’ll have evidence. Pictures ultimately fade, witnesses relocate, and memory forgets. Act now. Your lawyer sends preservation notices for car or video evidence. The earlier you call, the more evidence is preserved.
Healing and Recovery
Self-care following an accident. Never overlook your physician’s advise. Don’t neglect follow-up appointments. Keep a log of your pain. Record daily experiences, things you can no longer do, changes in lifestyle — the very kind of detail that indicates the precise amount of change in living, which the accident wrought — that can’t be bought for money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Must I report every car accident in Houston?
Yes. You’re under legal obligation if you’re injured or there’s more than $1,000 in property damage. Even for a minor fender bender, report it — it will be worth it in the long run.
Q2. I’m not in pain days later from the accident.
That is fine. The pain may not always show right away. Go to the doctor as soon as you notice pain. You are wiser to have it done earlier.
Q3. Do I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No, not prior to your attorney. The insurance company will take statements from you and spin them back on you. Let your attorney do all of the talking.
Q4. What if both drivers were at fault?
Texas is a “modified comparative fault.” However, you can recover if you are less than 51% at fault. Your damages are proportionally reduced to the percentage of fault that you bear.
Q5. How much does an attorney in Houston cost for a case of personal injury?
The majority of lawyers work on a contingency fee. i.e., no fee if you lose. They only get paid if you recover.
Last Words
A Houston car accident can injure, cost, and perplex. But you can regain control by moving quickly and making wise decisions. Be calm, document everything, and get medical attention. Don’t make the mistakes that will cause your claim to be rejected. Most of all, you must find a skilled local Houston car accident lawyer who will defend your rights and work hard to obtain for you the compensation that you deserve. It is your life and your health which are involved. The correct decision can be that of recovery or misery.
