On your usual route to pick up the kids from school, the light turns green at the intersection, and you routinely switch your foot from the brake to the gas. Only you don’t fully cross the intersection this time – a car to your right speeds through their red light and clips the back of your SUV.
Car accidents are sudden and often completely unexpected. They can also be far more serious than the one described above, ending in disabling injuries or worse. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Texas can not only protect your health, but your legal rights as well.
In Fort Worth and beyond, the lawyers at Francis Injury are providing their community with resources to help people understand the best course of action after an accident. Representing injured victims involved in accidents caused by trucks, motor vehicles, rideshare operators, and even on construction sites, Francis Injury is committed to leaving clients both comforted and compensated.
“Francis Injury is different because we handle the case for every client as a team. That means everyone in my office is actively involved in every case, and that includes me,” said lead attorney Michael Francis. “If you have a case that needs to go to trial, unlike the TV advertising lawyers, I will be the one that goes to trial and represents you in Court.”
Still, the court is the last stage when dealing with a car accident – there are many other steps to go through before reaching that point. To help drivers stay prepared after a sudden collision, Francis Injury outlined the most common mistakes people make after an accident and how to avoid them.
1. Leave the scene without exchanging information
Abandoning the scene of an accident is not only illegal, it prevents you from obtaining information necessary to take legal action. Always remain on scene after an accident to exchange contact and insurance information, document the collision and call 911 if needed.
2. Fail to call 911
Calling 911 not only ensures that everyone involved in the accident receives an immediate medical evaluation, but also provides an extra resource for accident claims. Insurance companies often rely on police reports when assigning fault after a car accident. To this end, many police departments will not complete a formal investigation report unless someone is sufficiently injured to require an ambulance transport to a hospital. As such, if you have any uncertainty about the extent of your injuries, the safest choice is to allow an ambulance to take you to the hospital to obtain an immediate medical examination.
3. Fail to document the collision scene
Pictures and other footage of an accident can be crucial in advocating for your claim. Always be sure that you have obtained proper photo or video documentation of damages, street signs, license plates and other factors that may be involved in the accident.
4. Forget to gather information
Always be sure to obtain necessary identifying information about all parties involved, including eyewitnesses. Here is the most important information to gather:
- Name
- Address
- Cell Phone number
- Driver’s License Number
- License Plate Number
- Insurance Card and Policy Numbers
5. Fail to seek immediate medical attention
The health of everyone involved in a collision is of primary importance after an accident. Receiving timely medical attention reveals undetected injuries and preserves the correlation between injuries and the accident, so insurance companies are less likely to contest medical records and bills.
6. Admit fault
Despite any guilt you may feel in an accident, never admit fault. Any statements made after the collision can be used against you during the claims process.
7. Forget to report the accident to your insurance company
Make yourself aware of your insurance company’s accident reporting policy, as many insurers require reporting within days of the original collision. While it is strongly recommended to secure an attorney before reporting the accident, the time constraint of reporting does not always allow this. If you have to report the accident on your own, be sure that you report the facts of the collision and stray away from discussions that imply a lack of injury or the extent of your personal fault.
8. Speak to the other driver’s insurance company or accept a settlement offer until you have reviewed it with your own car accident attorney
While you are required to report accidents to your own insurance company, you are not legally required to talk to the other driver’s insurance. If you find yourself answering a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, refrain from discussing the collision, admitting fault or accepting a settlement, as your words may be recorded and used against you during the claims process.
9. Post information about your collision or injuries on social media
Many insurance companies use social media as a resource to uncover evidence from a collision. No matter the condition of your health or your vehicle, it is best to distance yourself from social media post-accident to prevent insurance companies from using your own social media posts as evidence to contest your claim.
10. Fail to consult with a local car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident
The state of Texas grants accident victims two years to file an injury lawsuit, but it is always better to hire an auto accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. At that time, evidence is readily available and easier to collect. Furthermore, an attorney can help you better handle the claim process and, if necessary, assist you with obtaining proper medical care.
If you ever find yourself in a car or motor vehicle accident, it is critical to retain a trusted personal injury law firm that will ensure both your physical and financial recovery. The experienced and battle tested attorneys at Francis Injury support their Fort Worth community with dedication and dependability.