Getting into a car accident–even a fender bender with very little vehicle damages or injuries, can be very upsetting. When this happens you should keep your cool and follow specific steps to make certain that you handle the situation properly with a Houston car accident lawyer.
Call 911
Check yourself and all your passengers for injuries as well as the other driver and their passengers. If anyone is injured even slightly you should call 911 right away. Anyone with injuries should have medical care within the first hour of the accident.
Stay Safe
If you can get out of your car, stand out of the way of any traffic to stay safe. You can put the flashers on your vehicle on so that oncoming traffic will note that there is an accident.
Notify the Authorities
If there are no injuries you need to call the police before you or anyone else involved leaves the scene of the crime–this is the law in most states. Even if there is little damage to anyone’s vehicles, don’t just exchange information with the other driver. You should also get the police officers name that comes to the scene.
Get Pertinent Information
The drivers need to get each others name, full address and phone number as well as make a note of the color and model of the other vehicles involved and the license plates. It may be easier to take a picture showing this information. You should also get their insurance agents name, phone number and the policy number. The police officer will fill out a form with this information for you too.
Identify All Witnesses
You should get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses at the accident scene. Other motorists, pedestrians or passengers can be crucial witnesses that you will need to relay to a Houston car accident lawyer.
Don’t Discuss Fault
Never blame the other driver for being at fault–this will likely just lead to a heated argument that doesn’t help anything. If the other driver does admit fault, write this fact down. The police or an attorney will decide who is at fault.
Call Your Insurance Agent
Call your insurance agency and advise them of the accident and answer any questions they may have. Don’t delay this step or it may result in a denial of your claim.
Obtain Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine and don’t think you have any injuries, you should make a doctor visit to make certain as soon as you can. Many injuries don’t appear immediately and you could have sustained some while not realizing it. This step will help in the case of a legal matter that goes to court to show what your medical costs are after an accident.
File State Accident Reports
Most states require you to file an accident report if there are injuries or damages to vehicle. The police at the scene can guide you in this step.
This guide can help you to be successful in your insurance claims after incurring an accident no matter how big or how small it is.
