Car accidents can have devastating consequences. Having to deal with the fallout of an accident can be difficult, especially if you or someone you love was hurt or even killed. Often, people feel overwhelmed by the process after an accident, even if they have enlisted the help of an experienced auto accident attorney.
While dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident is never easy, there are some steps you can follow immediately after an accident that will take away some of the hassle and perhaps even help you improve your case.
If you’ve been in an accident, the following best practices can help make your case tighter and less of a hassle.
What Should I Keep In Mind?
- Gather Information: You will want to get the contact information of those involved in the accident, and if there were any witnesses. Texas law says that you must provide certain information to any parties involved in an accident. This includes names, addresses and contact information, license plate information and insurance documents.
- Treat Any Injuries: You should first make sure anyone who was injured is properly taken care of. If you are involved in accident that contributed to injury, property damage or death, it is illegal for you to leave the scene. Make sure that emergency services are called and call the police if you think the damage is over $1000 dollars, or if you think the other driver is drunk or does not have insurance
- Collect Evidence: It is useful to take photographs of the scene, the vehicles involved in an accident and any damage. If you are too injured to do this, ask a bystander to help you out. Make a note of the road conditions and weather at the time of the crash, and focus on getting accurate information and high quality photos. Insurance companies and lawyers often rely on this type of information when it comes to building a case or remitting compensation, so you will want to make sure any damages are accurately portrayed.
- Maintain Accurate Records: As soon as you are able, create and maintain a file of everything that involves the accident. This includes things like medical treatments, prescriptions, insurance communications, mileage to and from doctors’ appointments, medical bills and lost work time. Having these records all in one place will take stress off of you and assist your attorney in presenting your best case.
- Work With A Lawyer: An experienced personal injury attorney will be a powerful advocate after an accident. An attorney will help you determine liability and the type of damages you might be eligible for. You could receive compensation for things like lost wages or pain and suffering.
- Never Talk To The Other Party’s Insurance Company: Make sure you never talk to the other party’s insurance company. They will record whatever you say and try to use it against you. Let your lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company.
- Don’t Speak to the Other Insurance Company and Don’t Delay
You may think that the other insurance company is being agreeable and even helpful in getting your claim paid. Don’t be fooled. It is common for insurance companies to stall until after the statute of limitations has passed. This means that you would be unable to file a lawsuit against the person who injured you. The statute of limitations for auto accidents in Texas is two-years. And whatever you do, don’t talk to the other insurance company. Let your lawyer handle all communications.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, our attorneys can help. Contact our office at 361.LAWYERS (361-529-9377) today for a free initial case consultation.
