A car crash can happen in the blink of an eye. When it does, and when the dust has settled enough to take stock of the situation, what next? Knowing what to do in the aftermath of an accident is crucial, and if you’re in Houston, where the traffic just doesn’t seem to let up, it’s even more imperative.
This guide aims to impart the necessary information to be properly equipped to make the right choices post-accident. Those choices hinge on two main concepts: what is good for you, and what is good for your potential future legal claims. That’s where an experienced Houston car accident lawyer becomes critical.
Make Sure Everyone is OK
After an automobile accident, the first thing to take care of is the safety of all people affected. It’s best to move cars to a safe place so as not to block the road and to prevent any further accidents.
Then check for injuries among the occupants of your vehicle, the other vehicle, and any bystanders. If you or anyone else is injured, make that call to 911 your first priority.
Collect Evidence from the Incident
Collecting proof from the accident scene is crucial for any kind of future legal proceeding you might initiate. You want to capture the moment in as many ways as possible to be sure you’ve got a full and rich picture to work with later.
That means photographs – not just of the cars but of you, the accident site, and any obstacles or obstructions that may have been involved. You’re also going to want to note the time, date, and the weather conditions.
Contact the Necessary Parties
After a car accident, you should file a police report regardless of how minor it may seem at the time. This is essential because the insurance companies and any legal suits that arise from the accident seem to place a lot of weight on the police report and what it says. Get a copy of the report to keep with your records.
As soon as you can, get in touch with your insurance company and let them know that an accident has occurred. Give them the straight story, but don’t say anything that might implicate you as the person at fault. To better understand the situation, it helps if you know your insurance policy well and know what it says about payment for damages.
Secure the Services of a Quality Accident Attorney
When you have a good car accident lawyer, the likelihood that you receive the compensation you deserve significantly rises. A quality Houston car accident lawyer will evaluate your claim, work with you to acquire any additional details necessary to make your case as strong as possible, and also negotiate on your behalf to ensure any settlement offers made by the insurance company are fair.
A Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Walk You Through the Entire Process
A vehicle mishap can dramatically change your life. However, taking the right steps immediately after the event can help lessen its negative impact. At this point, consulting a meeting with an experienced and reputable accident attorney is the smartest course of action.
