What you do in the moments following a Texas car accident can help protect your insurance claim or a potential lawsuit. These steps can help keep you safe and preserve evidence to prove an at-fault party’s negligence in a San Antonio car accident.
Remain at the Scene in a Safe Location
Move off the road to safety when it is possible to prevent another accident and additional injuries. Texas law states that individuals involved in a car crash should remain at the accident scene. Failing to do so can result in charges for leaving the accident scene. If damage to your car prevents you from moving it, turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic of the crash.
Call 911
After a car accident in Texas, calling 911 serves multiple purposes. Calling gets the police to the accident scene and ensures you receive emergency medical care. The care you receive from first responders begins the crucial documentation of an accident and any injuries the incident may cause.
Speak with law enforcement to share your honest account of the incident. Be aware of statements that may reflect guilt and refrain from apologizing. We recommend calling law enforcement, even when the damage appears minor. When Texas car crashes end tragically, contact our San Antonio car accident attorneys to allow us to begin immediately preserving evidence.
Exchange Information
Drivers are required by law to exchange contact and insurance information. Take photos of other drivers’ licenses and insurance cards. Refrain from discussing the incident.
Alert 911 if the other driver is combative or argumentative. Wait in a safe place if you feel threatened by the driver’s actions.
Document the Crash
Begin collecting evidence if it is safe. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, skid marks, damage, and the general scene of the accident. Video footage is also beneficial. Ask for contact information from witnesses to the crash.
Get Medical Care
Without documentation, the insurance company may question the cause of your injuries, blaming them on pre-existing conditions. Injuries from a car accident can take days to surface and are often masked by adrenaline immediately following an accident. Do not refuse medical care if emergency physicians express that you need it.
If you do not require immediate assistance, schedule a doctor’s appointment to document any health concerns or changes you have noticed since the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Provide contact information for the other driver to your insurance company. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurer without talking to your insurance provider or a car accident attorney. Insurers may use your statement about the accident against you to reduce your claim.
Request an Accident Report
Get a crash report through the Crash Report Online Purchase System if the accident occurs on a state highway. Information about police reports for accidents occurring within San Antonio city limits is available here.
Contact a San Antonio Car Accident Attorney
Seeking legal guidance can help you successfully document and file a car accident claim. Your attorney may also need to preserve evidence by filing legal actions.
The attorney representing you will also strive to negotiate a fair settlement. When the insurance company refuses to settle a claim fairly, a San Antonio car accident attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf for damages. Learn more about protecting your claim immediately following a Texas car accident.