Driving on Texas roads is often a risky endeavor. Even if you are a cautious driver, the behaviors of other motorists can increase the risk of being in a car accident. With this realization, it’s important to understand what you must do immediately and in the days following a crash.
After a car accident in La Porte, you should remain at the scene, report the crash, and check yourself and others for injuries. To learn more and proceed with a claim for damages after your crash, check out this guide and then reach out to a La Porte car accident lawyer for assistance.
Stop and Remain at the Scene
The first step you want to take after a car accident in La Porte is to stop and remain at the scene. Besides being a legal obligation under the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, doing so is vital for protecting your rights.
Fleeing the scene can be deemed an admission of fault, thus limiting your rights. As you stop, be mindful of everyone’s safety. Get your vehicle away from traffic but remain near the scene. Notify other motorists about the crash by using road safety tools such as lifesavers.
Call the Local Police Department
You might have heard that involving the police in a car accident is not a good idea. That is not entirely true. In fact, it’s one of the best decisions you can make following a La Porte car accident. Even if the other driver says they will take care of everything, handling the matter by the book is important.
Call the local police department or highway patrol and report the crash. Besides offering protection to you and other victims, calling the police makes the incident a public record. The official police report will be fundamental for filing a car accident case and proving liability.
Check Yourself for Injuries
Traffic accidents, including fender benders, often result in serious harm to motorists, passengers, and other road users alike. So, if you feel unwell or notice unusual symptoms after a crash, it’s imperative to seek prompt medical attention. Some injuries following a car accident are not always evident and may take weeks to show due to adrenaline and shock.
For example, a headache or loss of memory may seem normal. However, it could be a sign of a traumatic brain injury. Immediate medical evaluation helps discover these and other injuries that may be life-threatening. Medical records and testimonials from medical experts are necessary for supporting an injury claim.
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Document the Accident
It may be difficult to remember every detail about a crash. Therefore, documenting the accident is one of the most critical steps to take after a car accident in La Porte. Where possible, take photos of the wreckage at different angles to ensure every detail is captured.
If there are witnesses at the scene who saw the crash, request their statements and contact information. They can help corroborate your side of the story and verify the sequences of events that led to the accident. Write down everything you remember while the details are still fresh. Documenting the accident is a crucial step that can significantly impact the claim process.
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Exchange Information
The aftermath of a traffic accident can be stressful. Even so, you should remember to exchange contact details and insurance information with everyone involved. This is a requirement under Texas laws. You can collect these details while waiting for the police to conduct investigations.
Request a copy of the police report to corroborate the information you gathered. If the other driver fled the scene, note down the direction in which they took off, their vehicle’s model and license plate, and its color. These specifics are vital for tracking them down.
Notify Your Insurer
Once everyone is safe, call your insurance company and report the accident. Provide details of the crash, including the date, location, and time of the crash. Inform them about your injuries, too. While at it, stick to facts only and avoid pointing fingers at anyone, including yourself. Everything you say is likely to be recorded.
Insurers will also look out for loopholes they can exploit to deny your claim. So, no matter how confident you are about dealing with insurance companies alone, it is recommended that you don’t engage them without legal representation.
Call an Experienced Lawyer
There are many reasons why you should call a personal injury lawyer in La Porte as soon as possible. You need someone to protect you from bad-faith insurance tactics that many insurers employ to derail justice.
An experienced attorney will advise you about your rights and potential legal action. In any case, handling litigation is not something you want to do alone, especially when you are severely injured and have ongoing treatment to focus on.
Don’t Miss a Step. Our Car Accident Attorneys are Here to Help
The moments following a major road accident are overwhelming. Luckily, you are not alone. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we offer The Gold Standard in Personal Injury™. Our lawyers are available to guide you on the steps to take after a car accident in La Porte. Contact our team today to learn more.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
