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What to Do When in a Car Wrekc

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Posted over 2 years ago. Applies to Texas, 0 helpful votes, 0 comments

At a time of uncertainty, panic, fear, and anger, our minds may not think clearly enough to react to a car accident appropriately. We present these steps for our clients - and now make them available to you!

Stay Calm, Be Safe

Take a deep breath. Exhale. Just the simple act of controlled breathing can help relieve anxiety in this situation. If it's safe to do so, move the car to the shoulder, median, or side of the road in order to get out of traffic. Turn off the motor and take another breath.

Assess for Injuries

Are you or any of your occupants injured? If so, stay in the car. Do not move anyone who is injured. If there are no apparently injuries, step out of the car and assess any other drivers or parties who may be injured. HOWEVER - most car wreck injuries may not appear, or appear minor, immediately due to a surge in adrenaline. Do not mistake "I don't feel injured" with "I am not injured."

Alert Emergency Personnel

Dial 911 from a cell phone, or if neither party has cellular service, flag down another driver. In most cases, witnesses at the scene of the accident will stop and ensure all parties are okay. Emergency personnel should ALWAYS be alerted, if only for reports and field diagnoses of all parties. In some cases, insurance companies will not provide any financial support without a police report detailing the accident.

Gather Information

Things to gather and share with other drivers: - Name, address, and contact information for all parties - License number and registration - including the name of the registered owner of the vehicle - Insurance policy number for all drivers - Vehicle descriptions (year, make, model) - Any immediate injuries at the scene (who is hurt and how?)

Create Memories

Though a traumatic moment, it is important to create memories for yourself regarding the accident. Use a cell phone or other digital device to take photos, video, audio of the situation, write notes describing the how the situation happened, result of the accident, the road, weather, and other environmental conditions, date and time of the accident, and any comments made at the scene of the accident by any party.

Find Witnesses

Witnesses, including emergency personnel, are imperative to any case or controversy. Take down the names and contact information of any and all witnesses, including police officers, medical technicians, and anyone who stops at the scene.

Seek Medical Attention

If you were immediately injured in the accident, seek medical assistance. Usually this is achieved by a ride to the hospital in the back of an ambulance. But as we stated earlier, many injuries don't immediately present themselves. Take the advice of the field medical technicians (EMTs, paramedics) as to whether you should head to the hospital immediately. If you choose NOT to visit the hospital, visit your family doctor or other medical doctor within 24-48 hours of the accident. Waiting to seek medical attention or review can be highly detrimental, not only to your health, but any future legal claims.

Report to Insurance Company

Either at the scene, if it's safe, or once you're home, it's time to call the insurance company. Keep these things in mind when speaking with your car insurance company: - Stick to just the facts of the accident and don't elaborate about the situation - The insurance company representatives are trained to ask open-ended questions to determine whether or not your claim is valid - and to determine how much money they will have to pay. They are notorious for denying and/or cutting off claims because a client provided too much information when filing a claim. - Document the conversation - your insurance company is likely transcribing or recording the conversation with you, and will not hesitate to use it against you in order to not pay for your accident or injuries. - DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING from your insurer without REVIEWING IT COMPLETELY. Insurance companies will attempt to indemnify themselves and provide you a small settlement rather than the money you need.

Protect Legal Rights

Getting advice from a lawyer or attorney well-versed in vehicle accidents is imperative. Your insurance company is NOT your friend nor will they act in your best interest. Even if you believe your case is not complicated, the advice and advocacy of an attorney can ensure the process remains as smooth as possible through all the medical and emotional ups and downs associated with a car or truck accident.