What Do I Do If I've Been In An Auto Accident?

The drivers in Houston are pretty awful. (Not you, of course. You're a great driver. I'm talking about the rest of the numbskulls out there.) So chances are that you'll eventually get into an auto accident of some sort. Below are tips on what to do if you get into an auto accident from a certified Houston car accident lawyer.

What To Do In the Wake Of a Car or Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a car or truck accident, you'll often be left dazed, disoriented and with a number of questions. No one expects to have an accident and, as a result, many drivers know little about what to do immediately following one. Here are a few simple tips to remember in the unfortunate event of a car or truck accident.

Make Yourself Visible to Other Drivers
First, once you have checked yourself and your passengers for obvious injuries, you should focus on making yourself visible to other drivers. This will prevent further injury or damage resulting from being stuck by another driver who fails to recognize that your car is disabled until it is too late. Turn on your hazard lights and make your way to safety as carefully and cautiously as possible. If the car is disabled, use extreme caution and look before stepping out onto a busy street or freeway. Contact emergency authorities if it is too dangerous to exit the vehicle on your own.

Get Medical Attention if Needed and Call the Police
Be sure to check on the other driver's condition and summon medical help if needed. Remember, do not admit fault at this time. Keep a level head and avoid arguing about what happened. Simply focus on making sure everyone is okay, this will not be taken as an admission of fault. If you have not already done so, contact the police in order to have them come to the scene and prepare a police report. This document will be extremely valuable down the road in proving what took place and who was at fault. Police reports are typically available 10 days after an accident occurs. Even if the police do not come to the scene, you can file a police report yourself by contacting your local police department and asking for a form. This is always a good idea.

Exchange Insurance Information and Take Pictures of the Scene with a Cell Phone or Camera
Next, exchange insurance information with the other driver and verify that it is correct by calling the insurance company on the spot. Don't forget to ask for the other driver's address and driver's license number as well. Further, don't hesitate to gather contact information from any and all witnesses to the accident. Before you know it, these witnesses will go on about their day. Be sure to get their name and phone number before they do so.

Another important step is to document the accident with a camera or even a cell-phone camera. Take photos of the cars, the location of the wreck and anything else that may be relevant to the accident. This documentation will be extremely valuable in bolstering your claim later on in the process.