Carrollton Texas Car Accident Lawyers
What to Do After an Auto Accident
What do you need to do after you have been in a Dallas auto accident? Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Stop. Stay at the scene of the Dallas motor vehicle accident. In Texas, the penalties for hit and run are severe.
- Provide reasonable assistance to any injured persons. Do not move anyone who is badly injured, unless there is danger for greater injury by leaving the person alone. Call for an ambulance when injuries are severe.
- Do not volunteer any information or make comments about the accident to anyone, including insurance companies, other drivers, or other parties involved. Do not sign any pieces of paper and do not agree to pay for damages.
- Identify all drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and witnesses and ask them to remain at the scene of the accident. Write down their names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and an account of what they saw. Do not rely on the police to obtain this information. Oftentimes the names of witnesses and even passengers are not included on the accident report.
- All drivers must identify themselves to each other. Copy down information contained on all driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and insurance cards.
- Call the police or Texas Highway Patrol to ask them come to the accident scene to take a report. If the police are not called or will not come to the scene of the accident to file a report, you have 10 days to go to the police station to file a written report.
- While you must cooperate with the police officers investigating the case and you must sign traffic tickets, you should only provide the basic facts. Do not provide personal comments or interpretations of the accident. Stay calm. Tell the truth.
- Take down the name and the badge number of the police officer involved. Ask when and where you can pick up a copy of the accident report.
- Make a diagram of the accident, showing the positions of the cars before, during, and after the impact. If possible, note the positions of traffic lights and street signs, estimate the respective driving speeds, and record details about the weather and road conditions.
- Take pictures. If a camera is not available, use the camera feature on your cellular phone, or ask a reliable witness if you can use theirs. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. If your cell phone has a video option, take video of the vehicles, scene, and even the other drivers.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think that the pain will eventually go away, it is best to be checked out by a doctor. Either an emergency room doctor or your general practitioner can see you for complaints of pain. Normally these doctors will refer you to a specialist if one is needed.
- Contact your insurance company, usually within 24 hours, to file a claim. Provide only the facts of the car accident. Avoid comments or interpretations of what happened. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster until after you have consulted with a Carrollton Texas car wreck attorney.
- Get in touch with a skilled Dallas auto accident lawyer immediately. Contact Steele Law, P.C., at 214-333-9393 for immediate assistance on what to do after a car accident. An experienced attorney can clarify your rights and discuss your options.
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We patiently explain what to do after an auto accident to people in Dallas-Fort Worth, and throughout the surrounding areas in Texas, including Carrollton, Plano, Grapevine, and Lewisville.
For assistance from an experienced Lewisville car accident attorney, contact Steele Law, P.C., online, or call 214-333-9393 to schedule your free consultation.
