Other Legal Articles

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  Free Guide for Car Accident Victims

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  Car Buying Tips

• Free Online Auto Loan Quote
• How to Buy Car Insurance Guide

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Fatal Car Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Insurance Settlements
• Pedestrian Car Accidents
• 18 Wheeler Accidents

• Car Accidents Overview
• Top Questions of Accident Victims
• Top Mistakes of Young Drivers
• Dealing with Your Insurance Company
• Neck Pain and Whiplash
• What to do After a Car Accident
• Uninsured and underinsured Motorist Claims
• Subrogation Claims
• Personal Injury Protection
• Pain and Suffering

 

Auto Accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers may be involved.  Prepare the trunk of your car for a possible accident as well by making sure you have a set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Make sure you also have:  A pen and a card with relevant medical information for you and your family.

What to do after an auto accident:

1. Stay as calm as possible.
2. Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4. Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5. Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
6. Notify your insurance company about the accident immediately.
7. Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or for your insurance company.
8. Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved.  If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down. Get witness information, if possible, as well.
9. Be polite, but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
10. If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene.
11. If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
12. Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.

Come by our office, email us, or call us for a free glove-box fold-out you can keep in your car in case you are ever involved in an car accident.

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If you were involved in an accident in Texas, we'll be happy to mail it to you (together with a host of other free stuff.) You can either email us, call us at (512) 343-2572, or fill in the form below.