Data from the Department of Transportation shows that in 2019, a total of 12,897 motor vehicle accidents happened in Texas, in which 3,610 people were killed and 15,843 people were seriously injured. This is why it’s fundamental for you to know what to do in the event of an accident, so that you can take the necessary steps to recover compensation from the negligent driver with the help of a Houston auto accident attorney.
What Should You Do After an Auto Accident?
Ensure Your Safety
First of all, check yourself for injuries and see if you can move. If you can, get out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. Try to move your vehicle away from the oncoming traffic. If it is not possible, turn on the hazard lights so that your vehicle is visible to other motorists.
Contact the Police
Call 911 immediately. If you fear you’re seriously injured, indicate the severity of the accident so the call-taker knows to send firefighters and paramedics. Regardless of the severity of the accident, the police report can provide your Houston auto accident attorney with information that might be helpful in building a case against the at-fault parties.
Document the Accident Scene
The next step involves taking pictures of the accident scene. Snap as pictures many as you can – from different angles – to make sure you cover the entire scene of the accident. The photographic evidence can make it easier for your Houston auto accident attorney to understand how the accident happened and help them build a strong case against the parties responsible for the accident.
Here is a brief list of things you should photograph:
· Your injuries
· Visible signs of damage to your vehicle (dents, broken glass, broken headlights or taillights, damage to the interiors, deployed airbags, and so on)
· Visible signs of damage to other vehicles involved in the accident
· Visible signs of damage to your personal property (laptop, tablet, camera, watch, and other such things)
· Skid marks on the road
· Damaged sidewalks, lampposts, utility poles, trees, street signs, and traffic signals
· License plates of vehicles that were involved in the accident
· Drivers’ licenses and registrations of other drivers involved in the accident
· The spot where the accident happened
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Exchange the following details with other drivers who were involved in the accident.
· Name
· Contact number
· Address
· Driver’s license
· License plate number
· Insurance details
Remember – while exchanging information with other drivers, do not say anything that can be considered an apology or an admission of guilt. You should discuss the details of what happened only with your Houston auto accident attorney.
Get Medical Help
Get examined by a physician. The physician’s report and your medical records are key pieces of evidence your Houston auto accident attorney can use to prove that your injuries are as serious as you claim they are.
Looking for an Experienced Houston Auto Accident Attorney?
Kirk Law Firm is one of the leading personal injury firms in the state and has successfully represented countless victims of automobile accidents in Houston and Dallas.
Led by Dana G. Kirk, who is one of the top-rated civil litigators in the country today, Kirk Law Firm has the resources to take up even the most complicated of auto accident cases. Contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our Houston auto accident attorneys.
