The moments after a car crash are confusing and stressful. Your adrenaline is pumping, and it’s hard to think clearly. But what you do next is critical for your health and your potential legal claim.
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This guide provides a clear, step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Fort Worth. This is your essential Texas car accident checklist to protect yourself.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911
First and foremost, assess your safety. If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Before you do anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Then, call 911. Even if the accident seems minor, calling the police is crucial. A police report is an official, unbiased record of the incident that is vital for insurance claims. Also, request medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
Step 2: Document Everything Meticulously
Evidence disappears quickly. Use your smartphone to become your own investigator and take photos and videos of everything from multiple angles. This visual evidence can be invaluable. Make sure to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks on the road
- Traffic signals and weather conditions
- Any visible injuries
If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their account can provide an independent perspective on what happened. Also, be sure to get the responding officer’s name and badge number, and ask where you can get a copy of the official accident report.
Step 3: Exchange Information (But Don’t Admit Fault)
You need to exchange essential information with the other driver. Take a clear picture of their driver’s license and insurance card, and be sure to get their:
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company
- Policy number
This is critical: Do not apologize or admit fault. A simple “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt by insurance companies. Stick to the facts of what happened. You can discuss the details later with the police and your attorney.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Adrenaline can mask pain at the scene.
Getting a medical evaluation creates an official record of any injuries sustained from the crash, which is essential for connecting them to the accident. Don’t risk your health.
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Fort Worth Accident Lawyer
Before you speak to the other driver’s insurance adjuster, you should speak to an attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. They are not on your side.
An experienced lawyer will protect your rights, handle communication with the insurance companies, and ensure you don’t accept a lowball settlement offer. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we’ve been serving Texans injured in accidents since 1993. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
For a complete overview of how we can assist you, you can learn more about our team and contact a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer directly on our website.
A car accident is overwhelming, but following these crucial steps can help you navigate the aftermath. Remember to:
- Prioritize safety
- Document the scene
- Exchange information carefully
- Seek medical attention
- Contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights
You don’t have to go through it alone.