What to Do After a Houston Car Accident: a Checklist

Houston-car-accident-checklist

1. Check for Injuries

The first and most important step after a car wreck is to check to see if anyone is hurt. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance. Even if you don’t feel injured, getting checked out by a doctor is still a good idea, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

2. Stay at the Accident Site

Texas Transportation Code 550.021 requires you to stay at the scene of an accident if the crash likely caused an injury. If you can safely move your vehicle out of traffic while remaining at the scene, do so. This will help prevent any other accidents or injuries. If your car can’t be moved, turn on your hazard lights to help warn other drivers.

3. Call the Police

Even if the Houston accident is minor, it’s important to call the police and file a report. Call 911 as soon as possible. You can also report the crash to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000. This report will be important for insurance purposes. It can also help protect your rights if any legal issues arise from the accident.

About the Police Crash Report

Calling the police to investigate an accident that was not your fault is always a good idea. In Texas, when property damage exceeds $ 1,000 or someone is injured, the police should write a police report about the crash. This report documents factual observations at the scene, including details such as the time, location, people, and vehicles involved, among others.

The investigating officer will also usually include their opinion of who was at fault for the accident and why. A crash report can be invaluable when making an insurance claim for a personal injury. You can make an injury claim without a crash report, but it is much easier to do so with one.

Note that the officer’s opinion about who is at fault is not binding on any insurance company and probably will not be admissible in court. If you suspect the other driver was drinking, always report that.

4. Exchange Information

Drivers exchanging information after an accident is required in Texas. Information to get includes:

• Name and contact information.
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Make, model, and color of the vehicle.

If injuries or property damage exceed $1000, Texas Transportation Code Section 550.26 requires you to report the car accident to the authorities. If the police do not arrive at the scene, consider filing a crash report, also known as a CR-2 Blue Form, with the Texas Department of Transportation. You have ten days to file such a report. It usually takes about a week for your accident report to be available to you.

5. Document the Scene

Take photos or video of the accident to show damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle involved. Scene photos, such as traffic signals and points of impact, skid marks, and other relevant details, should be documented if it can be done safely.

Shooting photographs will be helpful for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.

Gathering evidence also provides benefits for a car accident claim, including:

• It provides proof for your insurance claims for property damage or personal injury.
• Documenting the crash may help establish negligence on the part of the other driver.
• It can be used to counteract claims by the other driver trying to blame you for the accident.

6. Gather Witness Information

Obtain the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. They can provide valuable information in the event of disputes regarding fault for the accident.

7. Notify Your Auto Insurance Company

Contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Your auto insurance company will help you through the claims process and provide information about your coverage.

When interacting with insurance companies, provide only factual information. Be careful in any statement interpreted as admitting fault. If you are unsure what to say, consult an experienced car accident attorney.

8. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured, seeing a doctor after a car accident is important. Some injuries may not be immediately known. Documenting injuries is important for insurance purposes.

9. Keep Track of Your Expenses

Keep track of your auto accident expenses, including medical bills, car repairs, and other related costs. These expenses may be reimbursed by your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company.

10. Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in the accident or have any legal disputes, it’s important to contact a Houston car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney can help protect your rights and fight for full compensation for damages or injuries.