Have you been in a car wreck in Texas? You’re not alone. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a car crash happens every minute in our state. Over 17,500 Texans suffered serious injuries from crashes in 2017, and that number doesn’t include minor injuries or deaths. Unfortunately, many Texans don’t really know what they should do after a collision, and even a single mistake can damage their personal injury claims.
After a collision, you need to act quickly to protect yourself and your right to compensation. In this article, the personal injury lawyers at Crosley Law outline six calls everyone should make after a car, truck, or motorcycle crash.
At the Scene: 3 Calls You Need to Make Right Away
Before you place any calls, make sure that you and your vehicle are out of the way, if possible, and that no one needs immediate medical help. The order of calls you need to place after a car wreck may vary depending on the circumstances of your crash and the injuries you sustain. But in general, you should place the following calls as soon as possible after your wreck.
Call 911
Many states require that you call 911 after an accident if the crash causes a certain amount of property damage or if anyone is injured. However, it’s in your best interest to call 911 after any collision, since it’s easy to underestimate the damage of a crash. After you call 911, the police will come to the crash scene, collect information, and create an accident report that you can use in your injury claims. If anyone is seriously injured or trapped in a vehicle, the 911 operator will also send an ambulance and other first responders to the scene.
Schedule a Visit With Your Doctor
If you don’t need to visit the emergency room after your car crash, you still need to call your doctor and schedule an appointment. Some conditions, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and back injuries, may not present themselves immediately after a crash. Your doctor’s records will also serve as crucial evidence in your injury claim. While you wait for the police, a tow, or your ride, call your doctor about coming in for a checkup.
Contact Your Loved Ones
It might take a while for the police to arrive at the scene, so if you want to call or text your loved ones, you can do so while you wait. If family or friends were expecting you, let them know what happened. Talking to friends and family may help you stay calm, and they might also give you advice on specific doctors, repair shops, and attorneys you should contact. If you’re not able to drive, you should also ask for a ride home or to the hospital.
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Before you place any calls, make sure that you and your vehicle are out of the way, if possible, and that no one needs immediate medical help
Post-Crash: Regain Control With 3 Additional Calls
After you’ve taken care of the emergency calls and your immediate concerns, there are still a few more people you’ll need to contact. After you’ve had a chance to catch your breath, you need to start thinking about legal representation, compensation, and vehicle repairs.
Contact a Texas Injury Attorney
Calling a personal injury attorney should be the first call on your list once you’re out of harm’s way, and should always come before calling your insurance company. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make filing a claim or lawsuit significantly less stressful. Insurance agents are not on your side; their job is to settle your claim as fast as possible, for as little as possible. Working with an attorney will help you maximize your compensation, both from your insurance policy and the at-fault party’s insurance policy.
RELATED ARTICLE: When Should You Call A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve spoken to an attorney, it’s time to notify your insurance company that you’ve been in a car crash. Your attorney can walk you through this or may even handle the call and file a claim for you. Texas only requires that drivers have basic bodily and property damage liability coverage on their auto insurance, which only covers damages to other vehicles if you are at fault. However, if you opted to have personal injury protection coverage (PIP), your attorney will need to file a claim with your insurance company.
Call Your Repair Shop
If you were injured in a crash, it’s likely your vehicle was damaged. Call your repair shop and inquire about their current availability or find a reliable mechanic who can help. You’ll want your vehicle fixed as soon as possible for convenience’s sake, but the repair shop can also identify how much damage was done to your vehicle and exactly what those repairs will cost you. These estimates or bills are useful when determining the amount of damages you’re owed in a personal injury claim.
Crosley Law | Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been in a car accident and are considering filing an injury claim, Crosley Law can help you understand your rights and options. There is a variety of evidence that can help support a personal injury claim, and our personal injury attorneys have years of experience collecting this evidence to help clients get the compensation they deserve.
Call Crosley Law today at 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
References
Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts Calendar Year 2017. (2018, April 20). Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved from http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2017/01.pdf
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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Crosley Law Firm, PC is a professional corporation of trial lawyers focused on representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death.