A car accident can happen in an instant, leaving you with a number of serious consequences to deal with all at once. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a crash can make all the difference in your ability to recover both physically as well as financially in terms of the success of your personal injury claim.
Here are the key steps you should take after a car accident in El Paso, Texas, to protect your health and legal rights. If you need further help with your case, contact a car accident lawyer in El Paso for a free consultation today.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority should always be your safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 right away so that the police and emergency personnel respond to the scene. Officers will then arrive and create an official accident report, which will serve as vital evidence for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
2. Exchange Information With All Drivers Involved
Under Texas law, all drivers involved in an accident must share their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details. Avoid discussing who was at fault or apologizing, as these statements can be misinterpreted and used against you later.
If possible, take photos of the other driver’s license plate and insurance card to ensure accuracy.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident scene. This may include:
- Taking photos or videos of vehicle damage and the accident scene
- Collecting the names and contact information of eyewitnesses
- Noting the date, time, weather, and location of the crash
This evidence can play a major role in determining fault and proving the extent of your damages.
4. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Whether or not you required emergency transport or medical attention at the scene, it’s still important to see a doctor soon after the accident. Some injuries (like whiplash or soft tissue damage) can take days to appear. Delaying treatment could not only worsen your condition but also give insurance adjusters a reason to question your claim.
Keep all of the medical bills and other records related to your treatment, too, as these documents will help your attorney calculate your total damages.
5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You may be required to notify your insurance company promptly after a crash takes place, regardless of whose fault the collision was. However, while you can provide some basic information about the accident, it’s best to avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney.
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than your case is worth, and this remains true even if it’s your own insurer you’re dealing with.
6. Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in El Paso
One of the most important steps you can take after a car accident is contacting a qualified attorney. A lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf.
An experienced El Paso car accident lawyer can also ensure that your claim is filed within Texas’s two-year statute of limitations and help you pursue all of your economic and non-economic damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted El Paso Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a crash in El Paso, Texas, you don’t have to face the process alone. The legal team at Cal Mundell Injury Law can help you every step of the way, including taking your case to trial if that’s in your best interest.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward after an accident.