The screech of tires, the jolt of impact—a car accident is a jarring and disorienting experience. In the moments that follow, shock and confusion can make it difficult to know what to do next. Understanding the crucial steps to take can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident in Fort Worth, this guide provides a clear, step-by-step plan to help you navigate the aftermath.
Table of Contents
Following these essential steps after a car accident in Texas can make a significant difference in the outcome of your situation.
Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Health
Before you do anything else, your first priority is the well-being of everyone involved.
Check for Injuries
Quickly assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If someone is hurt, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger (like a fire). Moving an injured person can worsen neck or spinal injuries.
Move to a Safe Location
If the vehicles are drivable and the accident is minor, move them to the shoulder or a nearby safe area, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If the vehicles cannot be moved, get yourself and your passengers to a safe spot away from the road.
Call 911
Immediately call 911 to report the accident. This is critical for several reasons:
- It ensures that medical personnel are dispatched for anyone who is injured.
- It brings law enforcement to the scene to create an official police report, which will be a vital piece of evidence later.
Step 2: Document Everything and Exchange Information
Once the immediate danger has passed and help is on the way, begin gathering information. What you document at the scene can be crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Gather Key Details from the Other Driver
Politely exchange the following information with the other driver(s) involved:
- Full Name and Contact Information
- Insurance Company and Policy Number
- Driver’s License Number
- License Plate Number
- Vehicle Make, Model, and Color
Avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident. Stick to exchanging factual information only.
Take Photos and Videos
Use your smartphone to thoroughly document the scene from multiple angles. Capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- License plates
- Skid marks on the road
- Traffic signs or signals
- Weather and road conditions
- Any visible injuries you sustained
Talk to Witnesses
If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. An independent account of what happened can be incredibly valuable.
Step 3: Make an Official Report
A formal report creates an official record of the accident.
The Importance of a Police Report
When the police arrive, cooperate fully and give them a factual account of what happened. Do not guess or speculate. The officer will create an official crash report, which is a key document for insurance claims. Get the officer’s name, badge number, and the report number before you leave the scene.
Filing a Crash Report (CR-2)
Under Texas law, you are required to submit a Driver’s Crash Report (Form CR-2) within 10 days if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more and was not investigated by a police officer.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)
Even in what seems like a minor fender-bender, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why Immediate Medical Care is Crucial
Adrenaline from the shock of a crash can mask pain and symptoms of serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding. Seeking prompt medical attention not only prioritizes your health but also creates a medical record that links your injuries directly to the personal injury car accident. Waiting days or weeks can give an insurance company a reason to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly, even if you believe you were not at fault.
Stick to the Facts
When you speak with your insurer, provide the basic facts of the accident. Give them the information you collected at the scene, including the other driver’s details and the police report number.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first understanding your rights. Their goal is often to find ways to minimize or deny your claim.
Step 6: Understand Your Legal Rights and Options
After handling the immediate necessities, it’s time to consider the long-term implications, especially if you’ve been injured. Navigating insurance claims can be complex, and you may need professional Fort Worth car accident help.
When to Consider Legal Help
If you suffered injuries, are facing significant medical bills, or are getting pushback from an insurance company, it is wise to consult with an experienced attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests.
How a Lawyer Can Help Navigate Your Claim
A skilled personal injury lawyer can:
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies.
- Gather evidence to build a strong case.
- Fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Having a firm with a nationwide reputation for results on your side levels the playing field. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we have been serving Texas since 1993, dedicating our practice to helping injured clients. We understand the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively. If you have questions, our 24/7 phone service is always available to provide answers.
If you’ve been injured and need guidance on what to do next, a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and help you navigate the path to recovery.