Involvement in a car accident can happen to anyone, even the most vigilant of drivers. What’s more, it is often a shockingly disorienting experience that can make it difficult to think clearly. You may be unsure of what to do, what information to get, and who to contact following the accident. Read on for a list of specific measures to take immediately following any vehicle collision to best protect yourself and make any potential legal action as efficient and effective as possible.

Steps To Follow After the Accident

• Call the police immediately, before leaving the scene. In many areas of Texas, if a driver leaves the scene of an accident before calling the police, the police will not come, which means they will not create a police report. Police reports are extremely helpful for promptly resolving claims.

• Note: If you are involved in a collision in Texas and concerned about your immigration status, calling the police will not result in an investigation of immigration status.  There should be no fear that by calling the police you may be detained.

• If safe to do so, get out of your vehicle and approach the other driver involved in the collision. Get as much valuable information from him or her as possible: name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, and driver’s license information. Also note the vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number as well as any damage to the other vehicle.
• Take photographs of all vehicles involved in the collision, as well as any stationary objects with which a vehicle collided. Notice if anyone else at the scene is also taking photos.
• Speak with any witnesses and get their names and phone numbers.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Let the medical provider know any and all symptoms and injuries.
• Call an attorney who deals with personal injury cases. Provide him or her with all the information you can recall: details like weather conditions, the speed of the vehicle that caused the collision, witnesses, statements by the other driver, etc. These details can be very important to the successful resolution of your case.
• Call your insurance company, only once instructed by your attorney.

By taking these measures in the event of a collision, you protect yourself against possible dishonesty by the person who caused the accident, and you put yourself in the best possible position to negotiate with insurance companies. These companies often go to great lengths to deny full payment of claims. Furthermore, you potentially save yourself future time, energy, and stress. By taking the above steps to properly document the collision and any resulting injuries, you greatly increase your chances of a prompt and fair resolution of your case.