What to do if you suffer a car accident? – Practical Guide

Car accidents can be scary and stressful. Within seconds, questions and thoughts come to mind about what happened, if the passengers are okay, the damage, who is to blame, and more. Therefore, it is important to know what to do immediately after an accident to ensure that everyone involved is safe and that appropriate steps are taken to make a compensation claim .

STEPS TO FOLLOW AFTER SUFFERING A CAR ACCIDENT

Step 1: Immediately Stop The Car And Treat The Injured

First check to see if anyone involved in the accident has injuries. Call 911 if someone needs urgent medical attention.

Step 2: Move The Cars Involved In The Accident

If no one is injured, move to a safe location and park cars off the road for safety. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If it’s dark, find a flashlight to help you see.

Step 3: Data Exchange Between Those Affected

You should collect information in case you need it later. Write down the date and time of the accident, collect information from witnesses and the other driver:

• Name, address and telephone number.
• Insurance company name and policy number.
• License number.
• Description, make and model of the vehicle.

Step 4: Do I Need To Call The Police?

You should call the police and file an official report, even if there are no serious injuries or damage to the cars. You will need this report if you decide to file an insurance compensation claim. When talking to the police, just cite the facts without assuming details. Do not admit fault or blame the other parties involved, as police reports are only used to capture facts.

Step 5: Contact Your Own Insurer

Call your insurance company and inform the insurer that you have been involved in a car accident. Provide the insurance company with the other driver’s name and insurance information. Answer the insurance company’s questions honestly. Do not try to mislead the insurer about what happened because it could weaken their claim. You will need your insurance company to defend you if the other driver files a claim against your insurance.

WHAT KIND OF DAMAGES CAN I CLAIM FOR MY INJURIES?

These are the different types of damages that can be recovered from car accidents:

Bodily Injury Or Medical Expenses

Bodily injuries and medical expenses are a vital component of economic damages from car accidents. These include any costs resulting from the accident and the estimated costs of future medical care and treatment.

• ambulance costs
• Stays in health centers
• Home care needed
• Surgeries
• Medicine
• Rehabilitation expenses
• medical appointments

Damage To Property

If the accident causes damage to your personal property, you can claim replacement or repairs. Usually the most obvious of the different properties is the car itself. But other claims may include shoes, clothing, jewelry and other items.

Pain And Suffering

The pain and suffering experienced by the victim of a car accident is part of the non-economic intangible damages. The law provides for recovery for pain and suffering due to the accident along with injuries.

Loss Of Consortium

If the accident leaves someone with a disabling condition that prevents them from enjoying the normal affection of their relationship with their spouse, the couple would be eligible for a loss of consortium claim. However, they can only obtain compensation if the victim is successful in their personal injury claim, as the loss of consortium is derivative.

DETERMINE FAULT AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CRASH

Because Texas is a fault state , fault for your accident must be determined before you can file an insurance claim.

How Is Guilt Determined In Texas?

The person who pays for damages in Texas is the one who caused the accident. This is due to Texas’ fault-based auto insurance system. With this system, the person responsible for causing the collision will be responsible for any subsequent damages. 

• How to Determine Who is at Fault in a Dallas Car Accident?

Who Is Responsible In A Crash?

The fault for a car accident generally falls on the driver who violated a rule or breached a duty of care to the drivers. other drivers. Failure to follow the rules often causes preventable car accidents in Texas. Common examples include breaking the speed limit, texting and driving, drunk driving, making unsafe lane changes, making illegal turns, racing or driving recklessly, and falling asleep at the wheel. If a driver is guilty of any of these negligent acts, he will be liable for a related car accident.

CLAIMING AND RECOVERING ACCIDENT LOSSES IN TEXAS

To resolve a car accident claim in Texas , it is best to hire an attorney and pursue the matter legally. The person will need legal representation to provide the correct and most appropriate details to the insurance company, and for negotiations. The claim must begin before the mandatory two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas ends.

The car accident attorney will contact the other driver’s insurance company and work to obtain the highest compensation possible for his client.

At the Law Offices of David Sanchez the car accident attorneys will help you with your claim. Call (972) 529-3476 and schedule a free consultation right away.

If you found this post interesting, you can read: 

• What to do after a truck accident in Texas?
• Car accident in Texas: The 5 steps you should take after a crash