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WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN TEXAS

Posted by Joey Tellez | Sep 06, 2024 | 0 Comments

Laredo Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, it's crucial to have experienced legal representation. At Tellez Law, we have the experience, dedication, and resources to advocate for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf. Car accidents are frequent on the busy streets of Laredo, but that doesn't make your situation any less significant. We will ensure that insurance companies handle your claim fairly during settlement discussions, and if necessary, we will take your case to court to secure the full recovery you deserve. Contact Joey Tellez today for a free case evaluation.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Laredo

Follow these steps to protect your claim:

As an experienced auto accident attorney in Laredo, we recommend that everyone who has been in a car accident follow a specific protocol to pursue the negligent driver who caused their car crash. Here are some basic steps to take after a car collision:

1. Move Out of Traffic

If the accident involves injuries or death, you should remain at the scene of the accident. You should get to a safe location away from active lanes of traffic when it is safe to do so. If you are involved in a crash that involves only damage to the vehicle, you should move your vehicle off the road to a safe location. If you or anyone at the scene was injured, or if it is dangerous to move your car, exit the vehicle as carefully and quickly as possible and move a safe distance away from the road and accident scene.

2. Call 911

Check yourself over after a collision to determine the extent of your injuries and whether you need emergency medical treatment. If you do, request an ambulance or ask someone else to call for an ambulance. You are required to provide reasonable assistance to others injured in the accident including arranging for transportation of those injured to the hospital. Check on the wellbeing of the others in your car and determine if anyone needs to go to the emergency room. Request an ambulance for each injured person. Laredo Police Officers can help redirect traffic and prepare your accident report. Be sure the officer writes down your side of the story so that it goes in the accident report.

3. Do not apologize, even if you believe you caused the collision

Be careful with what you say following a collision. Don't accuse the other driver of causing the accident and do not accept blame if the other driver accuses you of causing the accident; even if you believe you were at fault. Do not apologize to others at the scene or try to minimize your injuries. You may be unaware of the seriousness of your injuries immediately after a crash due to a surge of adrenaline that may mask your injuries. Oftentimes many people do not feel the extent of their injuries and soreness until a few days after a collision.

4. Note things around the scene and take photos and video

Gather evidence at the scene of the accident while waiting for the police to arrive. Use your phone camera to snap photos and video of the position of the vehicles before they are moved. Get photos and video of the damage that was caused to the cars, the stretch of road where the collision took place, tire marks on the road, the weather conditions, as well as photos of your of your injuries. Try to take photos and video from different angles. If there were any traffic hazards or road obstructions, such as trees that are blocking traffic sign that may have contributed to the crash, be sure to get photos and video of that as well. We ask our clients to do this because once the accident scene is cleared the evidence may be lost. Look around for any security cameras or traffic cameras that may have recorded the accident. Video evidence can help to support your claim, but it must be preserved.

5. Exchange information

Exchange driver's license information, vehicle registration and identification numbers, and insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident. We recommend that you also get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. If possible, record the witness' account of what he or she saw.

6. Go to the ER

Even if the emergency medical personnel on the scene don't think you need transportation in an ambulance, it's still always a wise idea to head straight to the emergency room or your doctor's office as soon as possible. Having a proper and timely diagnosis of all injuries is not only necessary for receiving the right medical treatment, but it is also critical for any future car accident claims.

7. CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY

Call your insurance company and inform them that you have been involved in an auto accident. You should provide your insurance company with the other driver's insurance information, driver's license information, as well as vehicle registration and identification numbers. You should answer the insurance company's questions honestly. Don't try to mislead the insurer about what happened because it could weaken your claim. While you want to be forthright with your own insurer, you should not discuss the accident with the other driver's insurance company. If you have injuries caused by the other driver, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance. You should seek the help of an experienced car accident lawyer and let the lawyer handle all communications with the other driver's insurance company. You will be at a disadvantage if you try to deal with other driver's insurance company on your own.

8. CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN TEXAS

The steps you take immediately after a car accident really do matter. If you have been injured in a car collision caused by the negligence of another and you follow the steps outlined above, you will be in a better position to file a claim. You should not have to pay your medical bills and car repairs out of pocket. You may be entitled to collect compensation from the other driver's insurance to cover your medical expenses, lost income, car repairs and related costs. It is very important to contact an experienced auto accident attorney after an auto, truck, or motorcycle accident in Laredo. It is commonly known that insurance companies will typically offer higher settlements to accident victims when they have a lawyer to represent them. You should keep in mind that not all attorneys have the experience necessary to represent people who are involved in a Laredo car accident.

Let Tellez Law review the details of your car collision and discuss your rights to pursue a car accident injury claim. The consultation is free and it will provide you with an understanding of all your legal options.

Call (956) 717-8200 for a free strategy session of your car accident case.

Joey Tellez is Your Laredo Lawyer! He has earned a reputation as an attorney who knows how to get results after a serious accident. Our dedicated legal team at Tellez Law is ready to help maximize the value of your claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Tellez Law is an established south Texas law firm with a bilingual staff to assist you. We have helped injured Laredoans seek full and fair compensation after serious accidents caused by the negligence of others.

About the Author

Joey Tellez

Joey Tellez brings over two decades of legal experience to his practice in Laredo, Texas. Joey believes in providing quality representation and the highest level of respect to every client. He prioritizes attorney-client communication, promptly returning phone calls, making himself readily available to answer questions, and even providing clients with his cell phone number for direct contact. Handling all matters personally, Joey ensures that clients receive the attention and dedication they deserve.

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