What to Do After a Car Crash

You should be prepared for an accident, whether you caused it or not. Preparation by use of contingency lawyers in Texas can help you submit a vehicle insurance claim against the at-fault driver if another motorist wrongly accuses you. So, how to handle first responders, injuries, other drivers, and insurance companies.

After a Crash

If feasible, pull over to a safe, well-lit area where you and the other motorist may be seen. That’s especially true if you’re rear-ended and suspect you’re the target of a staged collision, says Scott Holeman of the Insurance Information Institute. If your automobile is a road danger, move it to the sidewalk. It may also require auto glass services and other repairs to make it roadworthy again.

Even if you’re bewildered, it’s crucial to have an accident plan and get through the occurrence to maintain your claim rights. If you can’t move your car, get yourself and your passengers away from the crash but don’t leave the scene.

After a vehicle accident, it’s easy to get sidetracked and make mistakes that might harm loved ones and pets. Don’t leave children, pets, handicapped people, or non-ambulatory elderly in a hot, locked car after a small accident. Don’t leave them in a heated car with the engine off while you deal with the accident. You wouldn’t leave them in the car to dash inside a store.

If your children were in car seats throughout the incident, don’t remove them. First responders should remove children from car seats to check for injuries. When it’s safe, keep other youngsters in the car so they don’t get hurt. Do the same for non-ambulatory or disabled travelers, even if they’re scared or anxious.

Call the Police

Check for injuries when you and your car are secure. If someone is injured, call 911. Get medical aid for yourself or others immediately, especially if they’re youngsters, seniors, or handicapped.

In addition to your name and other identifying information, be ready to offer your city, street name, home number, mile markers, traffic signs or signals, travel direction, and anything else that will assist them to find you quickly and efficiently. Don’t hang up unless told to.  

States have distinct mobile phone alerting mechanisms. Dial *SP (star 77) for the state police or *HP (star 47) for the highway patrol to report highway and automobile concerns. “511” isn’t for reporting car accidents; it’s for studying travel conditions. Teach your kids when to contact 911.

Other states demand calling 911 exclusively to report accidents, while certain places allow texting 911, which is only suggested if necessary. Before you’re in an accident, you should know your state’s emergency numbers, when to report incidents, and other driving rules.

In an out-of-state vehicle accident, contact 911. Law enforcement prioritizes more important calls during the epidemic, so expect long delays. If the police can’t arrive or you leave before making a report, don’t worry since no one was wounded or the vehicles aren’t impeding traffic. After an accident, immediately report it to the police. States differ on how long you have to file a police complaint. If you happen to be in Texas and depending on the situation, you may want to contact a contingency lawyer.

Drivers’ Communications

Determine if you can calmly speak to the other driver without police assistance. Secure and hide valuables before departing the car. Small chat is OK while waiting for the cops, but don’t admit blame or apologize. Avoid angering the other motorist. Don’t blame another driver or bystanders for the collision. Passmore advises against discussing culpability at an accident site. Insurance companies decide.

Don’t Mention Injuries

You may not realize the degree of automotive or body damage after an accident. If questioned, answer only that your physicians can judge our health. You seldom know if you or other automobile passengers are injured. These might take hours or days to appear following a fender incident.

Never Negotiate Damage Payments

Don’t take payment from other drivers instead of making an insurance claim, especially if they offer a large sum or claim to have no vehicle insurance. Speak with an auto accident attorney to guide on your best course of action.

Information Collection

After taking so many efforts to safeguard yourself, your family, and the car, you may neglect to collect essential information. Keep your documents organized. Always save your car’s registration, insurance evidence, and auto insurance agent’s name and number. Carry medical facts like allergies and your doctor’s name. Keep family and pet information handy.