Follow this car wreck checklist so that you know what to do after an auto accident.
- Safety First
- Contact the Police
- Gather Information About the Accident
- Get Contact Information from Witnesses
- Describe the Incident
- Never Admit Fault
- Remain at the Scene
- Seek Medical Attention
- Contact Our Firm Immediately
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
#1 Safety First
Turn off your car and exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so. If the vehicle is a hazard for other drivers, move it to the side of the road. Additionally, check on your passengers to see whether anyone needs emergency medical attention.
#2 Contact the Police
Call local law enforcement and tell them where you are. If anyone needs medical attention, let them know to send an ambulance.
#3 Gather Information About the Accident
Next on the car wreck checklist is to obtain the crucial information. First, gather the following information about any other drivers involved in the incident.
- Name, address, and contact information
- Employer’s name, address, and phone number (if the other vehicle is commercial)
- Make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Name, address, and contact information for the owner of the vehicle
- Insurance information, including company name, policy number, agent, and agent’s phone number
- Injuries or complaints of all drivers and passengers
- Statements about the incident
- Damage to vehicles
- Pictures and/or video of the scene of the accident
#4 Get Contact Information from Witnesses
Identify any witnesses and gather information from them, including their name, address, and phone number. If they want to make a statement to you, write it down or record it on your phone.
#5 Describe the Incident
Draw out a diagram of the accident and describe what happened. Explain the movements of your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Be clear about the location and positioning of everything in the diagram.
#6 Never Admit Fault
Never make a statement about how the accident occurred, the speed of vehicles, or any other aspects of the situation. Moreover, don’t sign a statement about the accident. This can be used against you by another driver’s lawyer or the insurance company.
#7 Remain at the Scene of the Accident
Under Texas law, you must remain at the scene of the accident until help arrives and you speak with law enforcement.
#8 Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, it is crucial to visit your doctor. In some cases, people sustain injuries and don’t realize it until much later. Remember that an injury does not always cause immediate pain or bleeding.
#9 Call Our Firm Immediately
Contact our personal injury lawyers before you provide a statement or interview to any lawyers or insurance adjusters.
#10 Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company
With the help of your lawyer, contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident.
Assistance with Car Accident Claims
Having a car wreck checklist at the ready is great. However, it is crucial that you have expert representation to protect your interests throughout the insurance claim process.
When you or a loved one sustains an injury in an auto accident, you have a limited amount of time to report your injury and file a claim. With Houston car accident lawyer Kyle Herbert on your side, you have an advocate to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Houston personal injury law firm today for a free consultation. You have no obligation to hire our firm, and we accept car accident cases on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing until and unless we win your settlement.