If you live in Texas or spend any time driving here, the odds of eventually being involved in a collision are higher than you might like to think about. Our highways are busy, our cities are sprawling, and the sheer volume of vehicles on the road means that accidents happen every single day. When your turn comes, and hopefully it never does, but if it does, knowing what to do can make an enormous difference in what happens next.
“This guide walks through both the practical and legal sides of dealing with a car accident in Texas, to help you protect your health, preserve important evidence, and safeguard your right to fair compensation,” says Texas car accident attorney Felix Gonzalez from Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm.
What to Do When You Are Still at the Scene
The moments right after a collision are often chaotic and confusing, but first and foremost, you must stop. Texas law requires drivers involved in an accident to remain at the scene and check whether anyone has been hurt. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially one involving injuries, can result in serious criminal charges.
Call 911 if there are any injuries, if anyone has died, or if there is significant damage to the vehicles or other property. Even if the accident seems minor, having police respond to the scene is often a wise choice. While you wait for the police to arrive, exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved.
Take photographs of everything you can. Use your phone to capture the damage to all vehicles involved, the positions of the cars, any skid marks on the road, traffic signs or signals in the area, and the overall scene.
Getting Medical Attention and Documenting Your Injuries
After the immediate chaos of the accident scene settles down, your next priority should be your health. Even if you feel relatively okay, getting checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible is one of the most important things you can do.
There are two reasons this matters. The first is obvious: your physical well-being. The force from a car accident can have a profound impact on your body and cause internal or external injuries. While some of these injuries may not be immediately obvious, they can become serious subsequently. The adrenaline and shock following a collision can mask pain and symptoms. Getting evaluated by a doctor ensures that any hidden injuries are identified and treated before they become worse.
The second reason is legal and financial. If you end up needing to file an insurance claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit, the connection between your injuries and the accident needs to be clearly established. Medical documentation establishes the vital link between reckless action and the injuries suffered. When you see a doctor promptly after an accident, your medical records show that your injuries are fresh and directly related to the collision.
Protecting Yourself During the Claims Process
After an accident, you might almost certainly hear from insurance companies. Sometimes they reach out remarkably quickly, within hours of the collision. They may seem friendly and helpful, expressing concern about your well-being and asking you to tell them what happened. It is important to understand that insurance adjusters, no matter how pleasant they seem, are not on your side.
Insurance companies are businesses that operate to maximize profits by minimizing payouts. The adjuster who calls you is trained to gather information that helps their company minimize its financial exposure. Anything you say can potentially be used against you later, so you need to be especially cautious about recorded statements.
Conclusion
Recovering from a car accident is about more than getting your vehicle fixed and closing out an insurance claim. It is about healing physically, regaining your sense of security, and putting together the financial resources you need to move forward with your life.
Texas law provides avenues for injured people to recover compensation for accidents caused by another person’s negligence. Speak with a Texas personal injury attorney for the appropriate legal guidance.