What to Do Following an Accident
The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic and stressful. Without having a clear idea of what you need to be doing, you could miss out on valuable information or evidence that could be helpful for you in your pursuit of financial compensation later on. Knowing what you need to do immediately after an accident and in the subsequent days can put you in a more favorable position if legal action needs to be taken.
At the Rodman Law Office, I have extensive experience in handling car accident cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Austin, Texas, or anywhere throughout Travis County, Williamson County, or Hays County, get in touch with me today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
What to Do at the Scene of an Accident
Immediately after a car accident has occurred, there’s a list of key things you must do as soon as possible. Following the steps listed below is not only beneficial for the health and safety of everyone involved in the accident but also crucial if taking legal action is in your best interest down the road.
Seek Medical Care
Obviously, the priority at the scene of a car accident is the safety and well-being of any injured individuals. Even if you don’t feel any pain and think you’re fine, it’s wise to seek medical attention to determine if you or anyone else at the scene needs further treatment. Once everyone has been moved to a safe location and medical professionals have examined the parties involved, you can move on to addressing the accident.
Call the Police
Getting law enforcement on the scene will help keep the situation organized and give the responding officers the chance to compile a police report of the accident. This report will come in handy later as evidence in the legal process.
Gather Documentation
Every detail you can gather at the scene can be valuable. Some of the pieces of information you should focus on obtaining after the accident include:
identification and contact information for other drivers involved in the accident
eyewitness accounts from anyone who saw the accident take place
a copy of the police report
reports and documentation of your injuries from medical care providers
a detailed personal account of the accident (write down or record everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible, because your memories may not be as clear as time passes)
Though none of these pieces of information or documentation can guarantee a successful personal injury claim, the more evidence you are able to gather can strengthen your case.
What to Do in the Following Days
Even after following the steps above and gathering as much evidence as you can at the scene immediately after the car accident, there are additional things you need to do over the course of the next few days.
Notify Insurance
Contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident and any injuries you sustained. Your insurer requires notification of any accident that would activate the coverage outlined in your policy.
Hire an Attorney
This is arguably the most important step to take if you’ve been injured and need to secure compensation after your accident. Choosing an experienced lawyer is crucial if you wish to put together an effective legal strategy and get the ball rolling on your injury claim.
Personal Injury Claims in Texas
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim in Texas, it is important to know about the statute of limitations for such a claim. Under Texas law, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident to be eligible to seek compensation. Failure to file within this timeframe will result in losing your right to pursue damages.
If you do file your claim within the legally allowable time, you can work with your personal injury attorney to pursue financial compensation that can help cover your medical bills and make up for lost wages due to being unable to work.
Take the Next Step Forward
You don’t have to face your recovery after a car accident on your own. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can assess your situation, explain any available options, and guide you toward informed decisions throughout the legal process. Having a dedicated lawyer in your corner will give you confidence that you will have the strongest chance of obtaining the compensation you need.
If you have been involved in a car accident in the greater Austin, Texas area — or the communities throughout Hays County, Williamson County, and Travis County — get reliable legal representation. At the Rodman Law Office, I am committed to serving the needs of individuals and families as they look to move forward after their injuries. Call today to schedule a consultation.