Every year, thousands of Texans and Texas visitors are injured in car accidents in or around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In a moment of panic and frustration after a crash, it can be easy to forget how to react. For that reason, you should keep the following “etiquette tips” in mind and make sure to contact an experienced Dallas auto accident lawyer who can guide you through your insurance claim and protect your rights.
2019 Top Tips to Remember When Injured in an Auto Accident
- Check for injuries.
The most important thing to do after a crash is to assess your own injuries and those of your passengers. Make sure everyone is conscious and breathing. Once you have done this, you can check on others involved in the accident to make sure everyone is OK. - Contact law enforcement.
Make sure to call 911 and report the accident as soon as possible. Police will arrive to secure the scene, gather information about the drivers and passengers and, ultimately, investigate the crash. Make sure you request copies of any paperwork they generate, including the accident report. - Move your vehicle or use hazard lights.
This is a judgment call. Every case is different. In general, if you can safely move the vehicles to the side of the road or to a shoulder, do so. If not, put on flashing hazard lights and wait for emergency crews to arrive. - Exchange information.
You will want to get the other driver’s insurance information, name and contact information, if possible. Some people are not going to be willing to provide this information. If that’s the case, wait for law enforcement to arrive. - Do not assign or admit fault.
In the immediate aftermath of a crash, you are still in a state of shock. You may quickly pin blame on the other driver or even admit fault or simply say, “I’m so sorry.” You should avoid saying anything about fault. In reality, fault is something that requires skilled investigation, and the determination of fault should be left to professionals who examine the scene and other evidence.
In addition to these five tips, you should make sure to:
- Take photos. If it is safe to do so, you may want to snap a few quick pictures of the wreckage, the other vehicle’s plates and damages, and any images of the scene that could be helpful, like stop signs and traffic lights.
- Get immediate medical attention. Be sure to go to the hospital or see your regular doctor in order to be evaluated as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that your injuries are promptly diagnosed and treated, but it will also document your injuries and preserve your right to file a claim.
- Call your insurance company. A lot of people assume that because the other driver was at fault, they do not need to tell their own insurance company about the accident. This is a mistake. Your own insurance policy is a contract, and it likely has language that requires you to notify your insurance company. Plus, you may have additional benefits available that could help with your claim. If you don’t notify your insurer, you may lose those benefits.
Get Help from a Dallas Car Accident Attorney
If you are wondering what to do if you get in a car accident, make sure you call an experienced car accident lawyer who can discuss your case with you free of charge. An attorney can help you to make good early decisions that will set you up for a successful insurance claim and fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries. But don’t delay. There is a limited time in Texas to bring a claim for injuries. So, contact Kraft & Associates, P.C., today.
