Blog

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. From life-altering injuries to the death of loved ones, anyone who was involved in a crash caused by another deserves to see justice served. Here are steps to take after a crash to help your chances of securing compensation.
Main Blog Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Listen to an excerpt of this page

Pedro “Peter” de la Cerda Image

A car accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you need to access help and resources after the accident.

Over the last few years, Texas has grappled with the unfortunate daily reality of severe and sometimes deadly car accidents. A car accident can leave you with minor to life-threatening injuries, including the death of loved ones.

In addition, the trauma of the accident can have long-term debilitating effects on you and your family, and affect your well-being, relationships, and quality of life. 

If you were recently injured in a car crash caused wholly or partly due to someone else, remember that you have legal options. You deserve to be compensated for your trauma as well as your financial burdens, such as medical bills, loss of income, or permanent loss of livelihood. At DFW Injury Lawyers, our Texas car accident attorneys can assist by providing knowledgeable guidance on your rights and legal options.

We will fight tooth and nail to secure you the justice and compensation you deserve to move forward with your life. 

Key Takeaways

  • After a car accident, you must first ensure everyone’s safety. Call 911 in case of an emergency.
  • In Texas, you need to inform the local police department about the car accident.
  • A car accident lawyer can help you gather the right evidence for proving negligence of the other party. 

How Common Are Car Accidents in Texas?

Unfortunately, car accidents are quite common in Texas, making it one of the most notorious states in the country for reported roadway collisions. More people die in Texas due to car accidents than in most other states, for reasons ranging from speeding, unsafe lane changes, and driver inattention. 

In 2019, the death toll from motor vehicle fatalities was 3623. That same year, there were 12,907 crashes that caused serious injuries and 15,855 people were seriously injured. 914 people killed in 2019 were due to drivers driving under the influence. In 2020, the death toll increased to 3,896, and in 2021, it soared to 4,489. 

Why You Shouldn’t Talk to Insurance Companies Before Calling a Lawyer

After a car accident, it’s crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. One of the most important steps you can take is to avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting with a qualified car accident lawyer. Here’s why:

  • Insurance companies prioritize their profits: Their goal is to minimize payouts, which often conflicts with your best interests.
  • Your statements can be used against you: Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can potentially be used to reduce or deny your claim.
  • You may not know the full extent of your injuries: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and settling too quickly could leave you undercompensated.
  • Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators: They have experience in minimizing claims, while you may be unfamiliar with the process.
  • You might accidentally admit fault: Even a simple apology could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

By contacting a car accident lawyer first, you ensure that your rights are protected from the start. An experienced attorney can:

  • Handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf
  • Accurately assess the full value of your claim
  • Gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your case
  • Negotiate for a fair settlement or represent you in court if necessary

Don’t risk your right to fair compensation. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers before speaking with any insurance company representatives.

A car accident scene

I Was In a Car Accident. What Should I Do?

If you were just in a car accident, dial 911 immediately. Under Texas law, you must stop your car after an accident, check if anyone needs help, and report the accident to the local police. 

Here are some of the steps to take after a car accident in Texas:

  • Ensure everyone’s safety: The first thing you should do is look for injuries on yourself and any passengers present. If anyone is injured, call for an ambulance immediately. Some injuries are not immediately noticeable due to the adrenaline rush, so it is recommended you still seek medical assistance even if you don’t think you are seriously hurt, particularly if you hit your head. 
  • Pull over to a safer area: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent any further accidents or traffic congestion. Keep your hazard lights on and call for help, if needed.
  • Contact law enforcement: You need to inform the local police department about the car accident. If you dialed 911, the responding officer will likely file a Texas Crash Report with key information such as the drivers involved and insurance policy details. Local police will also investigate the scene of the accident so they may determine who may have been at fault and to what degree. 
  • Exchange relevant information: While waiting for the police, all involved parties should exchange information about their insurance coverage.
  • Gather evidence: Take pictures of the accident site, road conditions, traffic signs, visible injuries, other party’s license plates, and contact information of witnesses present at the time of the accident. Photographic evidence like this helps ensure all claims are filed correctly and can prove to be critical if disputes over the facts arise later on. 
  • Contact a Texas car accident attorney: A car accident lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, and collect all relevant evidence, such as police reports, photographs, surveillance footage, and other credible information that is admissible in court. 

It is crucial to acknowledge that you have been through a traumatic experience, and deserve all the help and support you can get from loved ones, therapists, and other professionals. Our qualified and experienced attorneys are here to help you recover the costs of your injury and loss, and secure justice for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What are the immediate steps to take after a car accident?

In the immediate aftermath of an automobile accident, prioritize your well-being and that of others involved. Turn on your hazard lights, check for injuries, and call emergency services if there are serious injuries. Move vehicles to a safe area if possible, and wait for police to arrive at the accident scene.

Should I call the police for every car accident?

Yes, it’s advisable to call the police for most car accidents, even if it seems like a minor fender bender. Police officers will create an official accident report, which can be crucial for the claims process and determining fault. In some states, it’s required by law to call the police if there’s vehicle damage or injuries.

What information should I exchange with the other driver?

Exchange information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, insurance company names, policy numbers, and vehicle details. Don’t discuss fault or make any statements about the accident. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.

How can I preserve evidence at the accident scene?

To preserve evidence, take pictures of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, traffic signs, and the overall accident scene. Note the time, date, and weather conditions. If safe to do so, gather any debris from the involved cars. This evidence can be crucial for your insurance claim and potential legal proceedings.

When should I contact my insurance company?

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident, but consider speaking with a lawyer first. Your insurance policy may require prompt reporting, but be cautious about giving a recorded statement or discussing fault before consulting with an attorney.

Should I seek medical attention even if I don’t feel injured?

Yes, it’s important to seek medical attention even if you don’t immediately feel injured. Some injuries, particularly those affecting the neck and back, may not be apparent right away. Prompt medical treatment ensures your well-being and creates a record of your condition, which can be important for insurance claims and potential legal action.

How is fault determined in a car accident?

Fault is determined by considering various factors, including the police report, witness statements, physical evidence, traffic laws, and sometimes expert analysis. Insurance adjusters and potentially the courts will review this information to determine fault. In some no-fault states, each driver’s insurance covers their own damages regardless of who caused the accident.

What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me?

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, politely decline to give a statement or discuss the accident details. Inform them that you’ll be seeking legal representation and that all communication should go through your attorney. This protects your rights and ensures you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your claim.

How long do I have to file an insurance claim or lawsuit after a car accident?

The time limit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Generally, you have 1-6 years to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage from a car accident. However, it’s best to start the claims process as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved and witnesses’ memories are fresh.

What costs can I recover in a car accident claim?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover costs for medical bills, future medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle damage, rental car expenses, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand the full compensation you may be entitled to based on your specific case.

Free Case Consultation

The legal muscle you need to win

Popup form

What Not to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

While there are many steps you should take after a Texas car accident, be mindful that certain actions may hurt your chance of securing a fair recovery from a potential car accident lawsuit. Here are some of the things you should not do after a car accident:

  • Do not apologize or accept blame: There may have been several factors that caused the car accident and it may be too soon to determine the true cause. While you may be upset or stirred up after the accident, you must remain calm. Never accept blame immediately after a crash, as you may not be aware of all of the factors that contributed to the accident.
  • Do not post on social media: A social media posting, particularly in the immediate aftermath of an accident, can negatively impact your life and your chances of securing any compensation for your injuries. Avoid posting about the crash, your injuries, or even sharing pictures of social events until your case is resolved.
  • Do not talk to another party or insurance adjuster without attorney representation: Remember that only your personal injury attorney will be completely on your side and represent your best interests. An insurance adjuster and the at-fault party are not looking out for you. This is why it is imperative you let your Texas car crash lawyer handle all communication on your behalf and refrain from speaking to anyone who may be a potential opposing party in a car accident lawsuit. 

When Should I Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer?

The best time to contact a Texas car accident attorney is right after you have sought medical help for your immediate injuries. However, a qualified attorney should be able to help you at any stage as long as it is within the statute of limitations. 

Remember, the main job of a car accident lawyer is to establish liability so those who injured you may provide you the compensation you need to access helpful resources. A skilled lawyer should be able to analyze the facts of your situation, build a strong case based on the evidence available, and collaborate with other experts and witnesses to increase your chances of securing a favorable settlement or verdict. They should also be able to assess the total possible compensation and work to ensure you are properly reimbursed for your losses, including for your pain and suffering. A skillful car accident lawyer will also negotiate with other parties to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process, and if needed, fight for justice in trial. 

A local car accident lawyer should have a deep understanding of relevant Texas personal injury laws, as well as understand how the system works. After a car accident, you would want an attorney who focuses his practice area on personal injury law and knows how to navigate the justice system in your area so they may protect your interests. Our car accident lawyers at DFW Injury Lawyers have handled hundreds of personal injury cases and know the ins and outs of the justice system. We have trial experience, aggressive tactics, and the mindset needed to fight for a just outcome for our clients who are in the midst of some of the worst days of their lives. 

Bring the Muscle of DFW Injury Lawyers to Your Case

After a car accident, the last thing you need to worry about is your Texas car accident injury lawsuit. Our personal injury lawyers understand how challenging it is to deal with the aftermath of a car accident, and are here to provide you all the help you need while you work on your recovery. All our consultations are 100% free and we do not take any fee from you unless we secure you a win. Contact us today for a confidential legal consultation

Article Sources

  1. Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts (2019)

    https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2019/01.pdf

Our Offices: