If you are involved in a car accident in Texas, it’s essential that you know how to proceed to protect your legal rights. Keep this checklist handy in case you ever need it.
Stay at the Scene
Texas law requires you to stop at the scene of any crash that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury or death. You should stop your vehicle immediately at the crash scene or as close to the scene as possible that is safe. Activate your emergency flashers or flares to avoid any subsequent crashes.
Check for Injuries
Check if you or your passengers have any visible injuries. Check if the occupants of the other vehicle were injured.
Report the Accident
Call 911 to report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. A police officer should respond to the scene of any crash that results in personal injury, death, or property damage of at least $1,000. If anyone is injured, you can also ask the emergency dispatcher to send an ambulance.
Get the Driver’s Information
Ask for the other driver’s information in case you need to make an insurance claim. Ask for their:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance information
- Vehicle description
- Driver’s license number
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone stopped at the scene of the crash, ask for their names and contact information, too. If the drivers disagree about the accident, the statement of an independent witness can be helpful.
Take Pictures
If possible, take detailed photos of the accident, including the following:
- Wide shots of the accident scene
- Damage to vehicles
- Any other property damage
- Skid marks, tire treads, auto parts, or any other physical evidence on the road
- The area surrounding the crash
- Nearby traffic signals and signs
- License plate numbers
- Weather and road conditions
- Your injuries
These photos can provide valuable information about the accident.
Be Careful About What You Say
While you might be emotional and confused after an accident, it’s essential you keep your composure and watch what you say. Don’t admit fault for the accident as this can be used against you when you make an insurance claim. If a law enforcement officer responds to the accident, stick to the facts when talking to them.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were not immediately transported by ambulance to the emergency room, seek medical attention promptly after the accident. Keep all of your medical records and bills.
Get a Copy of the Accident Report
The accident report may contain valuable information, including information about the other driver, whether they received a traffic citation, the other driver’s statements, and witness statements. They may even contain a diagram that details where the vehicles were positioned at the time of the collision. Be sure you get a copy of this valuable report.
Keep Your Dashcam Footage
If you have a dashcam, make sure you keep the footage. The accident could be recorded on it, and this footage can help support your claim.
Contact An Attorney
Finally, you want to contact an experienced Austin car accident lawyer who can assist you with all of the future steps involved in your case. At FVF Law, we have more than 100 years of combined experience helping those who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions. If you have been injured, our attorneys can listen to your story and thoroughly explain your legal options – whether you want to hire us or not. Contact us for a free consultation by calling (512) 640-2146.
