This may feel like a loaded question. There is a lot that needs to be done immediately following a car accident. Some of what we are about to tell you may also feel like pretty basic information. However, it’s important to remember that after a car accident there can be injuries and confusion. You might forget even the most basic steps. The best strategy when faced with the reality of “I just had a car wreck and it was not my fault, what do I need to do and where do I start” is to keep tasks small and manageable on-scene.
To help you stay focused and keep some semblance of order, we’ve put together a checklist that you can keep in your glove compartment and review at any time. That way; if an accident happens, no-fault or otherwise, you’ll know exactly what to do next.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
We’ve broken down the information into five steps, so you can stay organized even though you have to move quickly. There’s also a little information about Texas accident law that may help you be better prepared on-scene.
Step one: Check for injuries. If you are able, quickly assess any injuries to yourself and the other occupants in the car. Call 911 for police and medical assistance. Describe the injuries you see to the 911 operator as clearly as possible. Follow the instructions you are given until help arrives (On-Star Service is a good idea. They can automatically send for assistance even if you are unconscious).
Step Two: Collect contact information for all of the driver’s involved in the accident. Once you make sure everyone in your vehicle is out of danger, it’s natural to start checking on any other driver’s involved. While you are doing so; be sure to collect their names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license information. Also, exchange insurance information.
Step Three: Be observant and watch your words. Pay attention to how other driver’s look, sound and act. Remember what they say. Texas is a comparative-fault state. Meaning; if you are truly not at fault, you need to be prepared to prove it. Statements like: I was distracted, I wasn’t wearing my glasses, or I spilled my coffee will serve to prove your case. As long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible for the accident, you have a case.
Step Four: Look for witnesses. Collect the contact information of all passengers, pedestrians, witnesses and law enforcement officers’ on-scene. These are witnesses to what happened. They can corroborate your story; especially if another driver is under the influence at the time of the accident.
Step Five: Describe and diagram it. Write as detailed a description of the accident as you can. Include the date, time, location, and any problems with the vehicles that could have caused the accident. Draw a diagram to support your statement. Include things like whether is was light or dark out, night or day, wet or dry, windy or calm. These are critical to establishing the contributors to the car accident.
There will be a claims investigation, but right now, it’s time to call a lawyer and only the best will do. Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo, Texas can build your case using the collected accident information.