What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident

The first 24 hours after a car crash are very important. These moments can determine how quickly you will recover from your injuries and they can also impact the strength of any legal claim you will file in the future. There are many important steps to take in the first 24 hours after any crash to ensure that important evidence is preserved, and that your health and well-being are protected. Below, our San Antonio car accident attorney explains in further detail.

Stay at the Scene

First and foremost, it is critical that you remain at the scene. Texas law imposes harsh penalties if you leave the scene of an accident. If possible, move your vehicle safely out of the way. Check yourself and anyone else for injuries but do not move anyone if they are seriously injured. Call 911 if there are injuries so paramedics can evaluate everyone at the scene. After calling 911, police will also likely visit the scene. Wait for them and ask for a copy of the accident report.

Exchange your names, contact information, and insurance details with anyone else involved in the crash. Remain polite but do not admit fault or assign blame at this point. Collect important evidence such as pictures and video footage of the scene and all vehicles involved (not just your own) and locate witnesses and ask for their names and contact information (do not rely on police officers to obtain this information – it rarely is included in the police report or the investigation file produced in response to an open records act request).

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you were evaluated at the scene, it is still important to seek medical attention, preferably the same day of the accident. You should see a doctor even if you believe you feel fine and if you think you only suffered minor injuries. A doctor will perform a full examination and may detect ‘hidden’ injuries that do not show symptoms right away. These often include concussions and whiplash.

In addition to protecting your health and well-being, seeking medical attention will also document the nature and severity of your injuries. This can help prove your claim. If you do not seek medical attention, the insurance company will argue that you were not hurt or that your injuries were not that serious because you did not see a doctor.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Tort law governs car accidents in Texas. This means that to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Still, it is important that you notify your own insurance company of the accident, as well. Most insurance policies require this and if you fail to inform your own insurer of the crash, they may cancel your policy even though you were not at fault. It is preferable that you hire a lawyer before notifying your insurance company and that you allow your lawyer to handle this for you. Even though it is your own insurance company, they are not on your side especially if you have underinsured coverage.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer in San Antonio 

After a car accident, time is truly of the essence. One of the most important things to do is to contact a San Antonio car accident lawyer. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our experienced attorney can guide you through the process, advise on the important steps to take, and ensure your rights are protected so you obtain fair compensation. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Source:

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/tn/htm/tn.550.htm