What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

We try to plan for the major events in life, like retirement, so that we’re prepared for the future. But a car accident is a major event that takes you completely by surprise. While no one plans to be in an accident, knowing what to do when one happens allows you to be prepared.

At DeKeyzer Law, we have unfortunately seen many situations where accident victims made crucial mistakes that allowed insurance companies to deny or reduce the value of their recovery. It’s not fair, but it happens all the time. That’s why we know you to know what to do after a car accident. Here’s a step-by-step guide of actions to take and what to avoid.

Step 1: Assess the Situation and Secure Your Safety

In the chaos after a collision, it is crucial to try to clear your head and take stock of the circumstances. If you or someone nearby is at risk from fire or other imminent risk, try to get everyone to a safe location if possible. Assess your injuries and those of anyone else you can see. Make note if anyone appears to be unconscious.

Step 2: Report the Accident

Even if no one seems to be injured, it is important to call 911 to report the accident to the authorities. Dispatchers will want to know crucial details, such as whether anyone is unconscious. They can send police to direct traffic around the accident scene and medical personnel to stabilize those who are injured. Police will also create a report of the accident, which will be extremely valuable later.  

The rush of adrenaline after an accident can mask pain and other symptoms of injuries, so you could be seriously injured and not realize it. It is important to follow the recommendations of first responders if they want to transport you to the hospital by ambulance.

Step 3: Get an Examination from a Doctor

The EMTs at the accident scene conduct only a quick assessment, so even if they don’t insist that you need to take an ambulance, you still need to get a thorough medical exam from a doctor as soon as possible for several reasons. First, you could be suffering from severe internal injuries with no apparent symptoms. A prompt exam can enable you to get potentially life-saving treatment. 

Second, your medical records will serve as vital evidence to help you recover compensation to cover the cost of medical care, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses. Third, if you don’t go to the doctor right away, the insurance company will argue that your injuries came from something other than the accident.

Even if you feel “fine,” it is best to protect yourself and your future by going to the doctor and letting him know that you’ve been in an accident.   

Step 4: Collect Evidence About the Accident

Your phone could be your best friend after an accident. Not only does your phone make it possible for you to easily call for help, it also enables you to document the details of your accident. If you are able, take as many photos as possible at the scene of the accident, including your injuries, the vehicles involved, skid marks, broken glass, traffic signs, and anything that could provide a clue to what happened before, during, and after the collision. Use your phone to make a voice recording of what you remember about the accident and the after-effects. 

Try to take photos of or get contact information from witnesses and make note of any security or traffic cameras you see. An accident attorney can seek a subpoena or take other legal action to secure footage of the accident before it is erased or recorded over. No matter how badly you are injured, you still need evidence to demonstrate why others should be held liable for causing the accident, or you will be denied compensation.

Step 5: Watch What You Say

Anything you say and do can and will be used against you to deny liability for the accident. Insurance companies often act friendly and caring, but they are only interested in protecting their financial interests. They do that by denying insurance claims or paying far less than the claims are worth. So, insurance company representatives can take innocent things you say and use them as “evidence” to deny responsibility for the accident. For example, if you say, “I’m fine” when someone asks how you are, then they can say you’re not suffering pain from your injuries. Or if you say “I’m sorry” in response to anything, even just trying to be polite, then your words can be used to “prove” that you are admitting responsibility for causing the accident. It is best to say as little as possible to avoid potential problems. You can always refer questions to your attorney.

Step 6: Consult an Experienced Injury Attorney

Insurance companies are experts at tricking accident victims into accepting responsibility for accidents they didn’t cause or getting victims to accept a small amount of money for injuries that will result in millions of dollars worth of suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. The best way to protect yourself from their predatory tactics is to get advice and representation from an experienced Texas injury attorney who knows how to counter the tactics of insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation for an accident claim.

Your attorney can not only provide advice on what to do and how to get the medical care you need to reach your maximum recovery, your lawyer can also investigate to gather and preserve valuable evidence to support your claim and handle communications with insurance companies and investigators so that you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

DeKeyzer Law Can Help You Right Away After an Accident

It is never too soon to contact an attorney for advice after a car accident. At DeKeyzer Law, we know the steps you take immediately after an accident are crucial, and we can guide you forward toward your best recovery. You only pay legal fees after we win your case, so it doesn’t cost any more to get our assistance sooner rather than later, and we can help you avoid common mistakes that can reduce the value of your claim.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Texas, call us at 713-904-4004 or contact us online now for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you obtain your maximum recovery.