If you have sustained injuries in a car accident on Austin roads, waiting to take action can cost you. Delaying medical treatment in hopes that your injury will resolve itself can both jeopardize your health and make it difficult to prove that the car accident caused you harm. And putting off speaking to a lawyer can compromise time-sensitive evidence and lead to simple mistakes that can greatly impact your case.
When you choose to act quickly, you are putting yourself in the best position to receive financial recovery for your losses. You don’t have to know the extent of the damage in order to begin protecting yourself.
Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident
The moments following a car accident are crucial. They are also often confusing and chaotic, so it’s important to approach the situation as rationally as possible. Here are precautions you should always take in the wake of a car accident:
- Seek necessary medical attention. Health and safety should be your first priority. Call an ambulance so that any injuries are quickly addressed. Even if you do not believe you were hurt in the collision, you should monitor your symptoms. Sometimes it takes hours or days for indications of an injury to develop, so it’s best to seek prompt medical care at the first sign.
- Document the scene and exchange information. If your injuries aren’t severe enough to visit the emergency room, make sure to thoroughly document the scene. Exchange information with other drivers and take photos. Call the police so that there will be an official report of the accident.
- Contact a lawyer. Speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Insurance companies have adjusters who will want to speak to you about the incident, sometimes even on the same day. Anything you say to them could compromise your case, and they are armed with tactics that are specifically designed to undermine you and discourage you from filing a claim. Even if the representatives seem sympathetic, they do not have your best interests at heart. A personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, will educate you on your rights and options and fight for justice on your behalf.
Why You Should Always Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer
It’s simple: if you were injured in a car wreck, you should speak to a lawyer. Never assume your injuries are no big deal and that they will heal on their own. Certain injuries, especially back and neck injuries, can get worse over time instead of resolving. You never want to be in the position of discovering that it’s too late to seek damages from the at-fault party. The at-fault party’s insurance provider and/or lawyers will likely take advantage of your lack of urgency and claim that the car accident was not the cause of your injuries.
There is also a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Texas. Don’t compromise your case by taking your time, or you could be on the hook for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses resulting from an accident that was not your fault.
How FVF Can Help with Your Car Accident Injury Case
We know that the decision to hire legal counsel can be intimidating, which is why our Austin car accident injury attorneys at FVF Law offer free, no-commitment case consultations. Our goal is to outline your options, help you obtain medical treatment if necessary, make sure you understand potential sources of recovery, and allow you to confidently move forward — whatever decision you make.
You do not have to hire a lawyer to receive counsel during this confusing time. However, should you choose to allow FVF to advocate on your behalf, our diligent personal injury lawyers will develop the best possible strategy to ensure you succeed in seeking financial recovery. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
