It is normal to feel traumatized, anxious and stressed when involved in a car accident. But it’s of utmost importance that you take certain actions to protect your health and rights. What you do after a crash may affect your health and any legal action you might take afterward. Read on to learn what to do after a car accident in Dallas.
It’s normal to feel shaken and upset if you were just in an accident, but try to stay calm. Check yourself and all your passengers for injuries. If you’re able, check if others involved in the wreck need emergency medical attention. If necessary, call for an ambulance.
Move your vehicle safely out of traffic if you’re able to do so. Switch on your car’s hazard lights. If you have emergency flares or emergency warning triangles in your car, use these to alert other drivers of your presence and to drive carefully past the wreck.
Next, call the police to respond to the scene even if you were in a minor traffic accident. The police report could be useful evidence if you pursue an insurance claim.
One of the most important things to do after an accident, however minor, is to exchange contact information with others involved in the crash. Get the other motorist’s name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, the car’s license plate number, and other details.
Make an immediate visual inspection of the damage to your car. Use your cell phone to take photographs of the damage to your and the other party’s vehicles. If items within your vehicle (like your laptop) suffered damage, take photographs of those too.
Other useful things to photograph are below.
All of these can prove important pieces of evidence when you file a claim. Jot down notes of the accident so you don’t forget. This also includes witness information. Your attorney may contact these individuals later to provide testimony about the wreck.
Don’t begin delving into reasons for the accident. If the other motorist accuses you of speeding or any other traffic violation, don’t blindly believe him and admit to it. Don’t offer any reasons for the accident and avoid getting into any arguments.
You do not have to discuss the accident with the other motorist at all beyond exchanging information. You only have to discuss it with a police officer at the scene.
Whether you were at fault or not, call your insurance company to report the wreck; while not required insurance, some coverage allows you to file a claim with your insurance policy. If you’ll be filing a liability claim against the other driver’s insurance, call that insurer too. This is the first step in filing your claim.
The aforementioned are important tips for what to do after an accident. After you leave the scene, the process of recovering compensation continues. If you suffered injuries in a car accident in the Dallas area, discuss your case with attorney Julie Johnson to review your legal options. Call 214-290-8001 or use our online contact form to set up a consultation.
