Here's What you need to Determine:
What Type of Accident Was it?
The type of crash you were involved in is vital for determining fault and your level of compensation. Whether you were rear-ended, T-boned, or some other collision, these details are important.
How did it happen?
The nuts-and-bolts of your case: who was at fault? Was speed a factor, or was it an unsafe lane change? Did a driver run a red light or otherwise drive recklessly? Those answers can all play a factor in liability, injuries and your settlement amount.
What are the Details of Other Driver?
Was the other driver under any kind of influence? Do they have a questionable driving history? Did they flee the scene? Information about the other driver(s) and how they behave at the scene can be crucial.
How much damage is there?
The damage to your vehicle and the location of the damage is central to your case. Was it minor or major? Was your vehicle totaled or is it repairable? Were you impacted where you were sitting? Take note of these details.
What kind of vehicles were involved?
Were you struck by a privately-owned car or commercial vehicle? Was it an 18-wheeler or a compact car? It might have even been a garbage truck. The type of vehicle involved is extremely relevant to your case.
Where was the accident?
Pay attention to where you are and have those details handy. Were you on a major highway? Small backroad? Maybe even a parking lot? The location can impact several factors of your case.
What else is unique about your case?
Here's Our Four-Step Process
If You've Been in an Accident:
Here's Our Four-Step Process
If You've Been in an Accident:
1. Check for Injuries & Call 911
Make sure everyone in your car and at the scene is okay. Even if there are no injuries, call 911 and request a police officer. A police report will be very important to your case, so make sure you insist that an officer come to the scene.
2. Gather Information
Get the plate numbers of all involved vehicles as soon as you can, in case they flee the scene. Take photos & videos, witness info, officer ID and police report details, and insurance info for all drivers involved in the accident.
3. Move Your Vehicle Safely
After the scene has been properly documented, move your vehicle to a safe place if you can. If you can drive it home afterward, do so. If not, make sure you get the information of the towing company that picks it up.
4. Consult With an Attorney
An accident attorney is crucial in helping you see the right specialists for necessary injury treatment and fighting your case against the at-fault insurance company. The sooner they can start helping, the better.
This is a condensed list for what to do if you've been hurt and/or suffered property damage in an accident. We have plenty more information to help be fully educated on every detail of this process, so if you want to learn more, we're happy to set you on the right road to becoming an Texas Car Accidents Expert.
