What to do after a car wreck
Austin has a lot going for it. However, traffic and traffic safety are not on that list. We have too many cars, too few roads, a bad public transportation system, and too many intoxicated, distracted, aggressive, and just plain bad drivers. The tragic result is that you are likely to get into a car wreck about every 8 years.
Steps to take after a wreck
There are several steps you should take after a car accident in Texas. Our car wreck FAQ might answer some of your questions about car wrecks and how to contact Austin personal injury lawyers.
1. Stop and if safe help anyone who is injured.
2. Call 911 and report the accident. Tell the 911 operator if an ambulance is needed. If you are unsure of whether an ambulance is needed then tell the 911 operator. Once the police arrive, note which police department they are with and the name of the investigating officers. Cooperate fully with all police officers and EMS professionals who arrive at the scene.
3. Exchange information with all drivers involved in the accident. You will need their name, address, phone number, make and model of their car and their insurance information. Give them your insurance and contact information.
4. Gather information and document the accident scene. You should get the name, address and telephone number of any passengers. If there were any witnesses to the accident, then you will need their name, address and phone number and a description of what they witnessed. It can be very difficult to get witness information once they leave the accident scene. Take pictures of all the cars involved in the accident, paying special attention to damage to the cars and where they are. Take pictures of the area around the accident scene including any tire skid marks and debris. We advise not to accept fault for an accident at the scene or to make comments such as, “I am sorry”. There may be additional facts about the accident you are unaware of at the time and your comments can be misinterpreted by others because of the adrenaline immediately following a wreck.
5. Get medical treatment for any injuries you may have. If you are experiencing pain after an accident, allow the ambulance to take you to the hospital to make sure you do not have any life-threatening injuries. It is not unusual to have pain within a few days of having a car accident. Seek medical attention so that any injuries related to the car wreck can be documented. The longer you wait to seek medical attention the harder it is to prove you sustained your injuries in the car accident. If the insurance company doctor diagnoses a major injury as minor, give our Allison & Ward a call.
6. Contact us so that we can assist you with setting up your insurance claim or if you choose not to hire an attorney, to contact your insurance company and report the claim. We recommend not giving any type of recorded or written statement until after you have hired an attorney. You will need to report your claim to your insurance company within a short time of the accident to ensure you will not have any insurance coverage issues. Once we are your attorneys we will handle all communications with the insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected.
Quite often, when the other driver is at fault, they have violated Texas traffic laws in the Texas Transportation Code. This is true, even if they did not get a ticket. The traffic laws and rules of the road are too numerous to list on this site, but you can find them here. So you got into a car wreck; it’s not your fault; your car is damaged or destroyed, and you are hurt—maybe still in the hospital. The insurance people are sending you papers, calling you non-stop, or visiting you at the accident scene, your home, or the hospital. They call this “Swoop and Settle.” Tell all of them to go away! If you intend to hire a lawyer, don’t talk to the insurance companies. You are hurt, confused, and maybe medicated. Now is not the time to make quick decisions or give written or recorded statements: we will advise you when (or if) to do that.
Whatever you do, do not accept money and sign a release of your claims at an accident scene. Cab companies and some insurance companies do this on a regular basis, and you might find out later you are much more injured than you thought. Make no mistake, the other person’s insurance company is NOT your friend. They will ask for information, medical records, and just about everything else they can to dispute, delay, or diminish your claim. Insurance companies do not make huge profits by paying what they owe but rather denying what they owe. So before speaking with an adjuster, consult with a skilled Austin personal injury attorney at Allison & Ward who can protect your rights and maximize your claim. Whether you’ve suffered injuries in a rear-end collision, distracted driving accident, drunk driving crash, ride-share, commercial vehicle or a car wreck while working, our firm works aggressively to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, mental anguish, pain and suffering, disfigurement, long-term disability and medical care. If you’re searching for experienced car accident lawyers in Austin or a highly rated personal injury attorney near you, Allison & Ward offers the experience and results-driven representation you need.
Your Health
When you are hurt, you need someone with a deep understanding of the Austin medical community. No matter what happens legally, your recovery is the most important thing.
We focus on finding you the right healthcare providers and specialists in Austin. If you have questions about your injuries, your doctor, and want our opinion on the best course of action, please contact us.
At the same time, you have a damaged or wrecked vehicle…and the clock is ticking to get it fixed or totaled. There are many different situations you may be facing: you may have a car you just bought, but didn’t transfer the title to. You may have borrowed a friend’s car, hitched a ride, or been hit by someone who didn’t own the other car. You might owe more money on your car than your car is worth. You may have been in or hit by a ride-share. Or maybe the other driver was intoxicated, or you got hit by a bus or a police car. All of these situations require very detailed legal analysis and quick action. Contact Allison and Ward.
