Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye. One minute, you’re happily driving down the street, and the next minute, you’re involved in a head-on collision with a car full of drunk teens. This can leave you confused or injured, staring at thousands of dollars in damages.
Since road accidents are all too common, especially in Dallas, Texas, knowing what to do after a car accident is essential to protect your life and legal rights.
Following the proper steps after a car accident will help you avoid legal trouble, as Texas is an at-fault state, and you may be sued for damages. If things get complicated, it is best to consult a car accident attorney who will expertly guide you through the process.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of exactly what to do after a car accident in Dallas.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Always involve the police in any road accident, whether minor or major, as it can save you problems later. In Texas, you must report a road accident to the police if it results in injuries or death. Also, you must report it if it causes property damage exceeding $1,000, is a hit-and-run incident, or is a suspected DUI or illegal activity.
Contacting the authorities is important when processing insurance claims and can help avoid legal trouble if the issue goes to court. The unbiased account of the police officers will help the court or insurance company determine fault.
If the accident happens within the city limits, like in Victory Park or Deep Ellum, call the Dallas Police Department responsible for this area. You should contact the Texas Highway Patrol or county sheriff if the accident occurred outside the city limits, like in Plano or Frisco.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Every car scene is different, but you’ll likely find debris (broken glass, metal fragments), skid marks, damaged cars, and other hazards like oil spills. Collecting this information will strengthen your case.
Here’s how to do it.
Photographic Evidence
Take clear photos of the scene. This includes close-ups of the vehicle registration, damage, license plates, and road conditions. Consider the vehicle’s angles, skid marks, and other physical signs.
Exchange Information
In Texas, you must exchange information with the involved parties after an accident. This includes names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details, which makes it easier to file police reports, process insurance claims, and determine liability.
Witness Accounts
If there are any witnesses, interview and collect their statements. Even though the police will likely do the same, this information will clarify things in case of disputes. These testimonies can be used to prove liability and add any extra information you may have missed.
Seek Medical Attention
Most people in car accidents consider an injury as one that bleeds, is swollen, or displays other physical signs. While it’s true that most injuries have signs of physical trauma, other signs may be hidden, like internal trauma or whiplash, which take hours or days to manifest.
This may explain why many people fail to seek medical attention after a road accident. However, ignoring a hospital visit may have serious consequences, including long-term health complications like lower back pain, traumatic brain injuries, and pulmonary complications.
Seeing a doctor or visiting a hospital is also vital for medical documentation. These medical records help establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident, which is crucial for processing insurance claims, among other things.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After a road accident, contact your insurance provider once you recover sufficiently from the experience. Most insurance companies have a deadline for how long you can take before reporting a road accident.
When reporting the accident, be neutral and factual. This means only providing the relevant information needed to process the claim, such as the location and time of the accident. Don’t accept guilt or liability, as these can be used against you by the insurance company.
Apart from contacting your insurance company, understanding fault law is vital in ensuring you get the best outcome. For example, Texas uses the 51% rule when determining damages to settle claims after an accident.
Knowing the law will help you better understand how the claims process works and meet any special policy requirements your insurer may have.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Avoiding the following common mistakes after a car crash is vital because they affect your legal rights and insurance claims.
Leaving the Scene
The law requires you to stay at the scene of a car accident involving property damage, death, or injury. Leaving a scene prematurely can result in fines or criminal charges, including hit-and-run accusations.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Failing to seek immediate medical attention may cause long-term health complications from hidden conditions like blood clots and concussions. Additionally, insurers may use this as an excuse to reduce your claim.
Admitting Fault
Admitting guilt or apologizing, even if you do it innocently, may be used against you. It’s better to wait for a proper investigation to identify which party was at fault.
Delaying Insurance Notification
Most insurance policies require you to report a car accident within a specific timeframe, usually in a few days. Failure to do so may cause the insurer to deny your claims or even reduce compensation.
Accepting Quick Settlement Offers
Insurers are notorious for lowballing their clients. If you accept an offer without thoroughly assessing the damages, you may receive less compensation than you should.
Compensation Available for Dallas Car Accident Victims
As a car accident victim, you can receive compensation that can be broadly categorized into two major groups:
Economic Damages
A road accident may rob you of the ability to work and earn a living due to injuries or force you to incur debts. That’s why you’re eligible for compensation for lost wages, hospital expenses, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Besides the economic consequences, car accidents also affect you in other ways. For physical and emotional torment, you can get compensation for pain and suffering. Since a car accident can also impact your quality of life, you can sue for loss of enjoyment.
Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Dallas
All the actions you take after a car accident matter. To protect your legal rights, document everything and follow the law accordingly. Also, don’t forget that your health matters, so visit the hospital immediately after the accident.
