A minor auto accident rarely results in serious injuries or vehicle damage. But if it does, you should treat it the same way a severe crash totals your car. It’s necessary to capture all the details of what occurred, starting with accurate documentation at the accident scene.
What to Do After a Minor Car Accident in Texas
Safety First
When an unexpected car collision occurs, the aftermath can be chaotic. Your first priority should be to ensure everyone involved is out of danger. Alight from the car and move to a safe location to avoid further accidents or injuries.
Erect cones or flares to warn other motorists, and turn on your hazard lights for the scene to become more visible. If your vehicle is damaged and undrivable, stay calm as you wait for emergency responders to arrive. Leaving the scene can result in legal charges like a felony that can complicate your situation.
Check for Injuries
After a car crash, check if anyone is hurt. If you notice any injuries, request for urgent medical attention. Even when the accident appears minor, you can’t assume no one is injured.
The immediate impact of the collision may not be felt initially, but can present symptoms afterward. Avoid making a statement to law enforcers indicating that you were not hurt. Instead, wait for complete examination by the medical team.
Gather Information
When a minor accident happens, it’s necessary to reach out to everyone involved and exchange details of the incident. Here’s the information you need to capture:
- Names and contact details
- Driver’s license and plate numbers
- Insurance provider and policy number
- Model, make, and color of cars involved
- Accident location
If any passengers were injured, gather their details as well. Once all injuries have been reviewed, take photos and videos of the crash scene and the surrounding area. This key piece of evidence is crucial to enable a more efficient and smoother litigation process if the case ends up in court.
Don’t Admit Fault
Any accident has the potential to generate a battle of words or even become physical. The other party is trying all their best to force you into admitting fault. It’s advisable to avoid the confrontation until the relevant authorities arrive at the scene.
In addition, avoid making any apologies for the incident. This might imply accepting blame. Instead, allow law enforcers and insurance companies to finalize their investigations, even if you feel partially responsible.
When interacting with the police, be careful to stick to the facts. Any information you share with officers will be recorded in the police report and used by insurance providers when investigating claims.
Locate Witnesses
Law enforcers often rely on witnesses statements to get an unbiased account of the events leading to the collision. If there are any pedestrians who saw the accident happen, record their names and contact information. Their perspective can offer a different viewpoint, which can highlight key details and observations for proving fault and arriving at a faster and fair settlement.
Do You Have to Call Police After a Minor Car Accident
Regardless of how a car collision scene may appear, always call law enforcers. Before you realize it, a fender bender crash could become more severe than you initially thought. Depending on the circumstances, an ambulance may not be required.
Notify the dispatcher that you only need a police officer at the scene. Informing the police is necessary to have an official report of the incident. Avoid agreeing with the other driver to skip this step or accept a cash offer to leave the scene early. A police record helps insurance providers to figure out who’s responsible to pay compensation if a claim is filed.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Talk to your insurer immediately and notify them of the incident. Most policies require prompt and detailed reports of accidents from drivers. No matter who was at fault, your insurance provider and the other driver’s agent will work together to review the details of the incident.
This will enable quick processing of claims in case you or the other party decide to file a claim. They’ll guide you on how to file an auto claim and provide guidance for you to understand what to do after car accident.
Seek Medical Attention
After being involved in a car crash, you can be tempted to postpone medical care. Unfortunately, this is a serious mistake that can hurt you later. Not all injuries become apparent soon after a car collision. In fact, they can become fatal not treated on time.
Our bodies naturally experience fight-or-flight as a response to stressful events. This process produces increased energy levels that can hide your pain. As a result, you may not notice the severity of the injuries.
A doctor can review your condition and establish any harm caused by the injury. This way, you can establish proper diagnosis and treatment early enough to safeguard your health. Moreover, a doctor’s medical records provide relevant evidence about the accident. This information can be useful for a lawyer to build a strong case for compensation.
Consult a Lawyer
A minor accident may not necessarily cause severe injuries or damages to vehicles involved. But if it does, contacting an attorney may be in your best interest. The confusion that ensues after a car crash can lead to disappearance of crucial evidence or witnesses forgetting what happened. That’s why you need legal representative quickly to:
- Conduct Investigations and collect solid evidence to build an airtight case. They will gather police reports, interview witnesses, and assess medical records.
- Deal with all communication with insurance providers.
- Handle the litigation process if a settlement isn’t reached.
Besides negotiations, your attorney will ensure you meet the legally required timeframes to file a lawsuit.
Conclusion
Handling the consequences of a minor car accident can be time-consuming. It requires a clear head and knowledge of the entire process. Remember, your safety should always be your priority. However, if you’re in doubt, it’s necessary to pursue legal assistance. At Husain Law and Associates Truck and Accident Lawyers, our professionals are well-equipped to help you recover the adequate compensation you deserve. Reach us at and schedule a free consultation
FAQs
Do I Have to Pay My Health Insurance Back After a Car Accident
You need to reimburse your insurer. When you lack coverage, you can opt for a lien. This is a binding agreement between you and a provider to repay them from the proceeds of the injury claim. That means you must pay the lien before receiving a portion of the compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident
Two years is the time required by most states to submit claims after an auto collision. However, doing it within a reasonable timeframe will make the insurer to take it seriously. In many cases, deadlines for filing claims are regulated by the statute of limitations law.
