Steps to take after a car accident
Use this car accident checklist to help you navigate the steps to take after a car accident and ensure you have everything you need to file a claim.
1. Stay calm & check for injuries
Make sure you and your passengers are safe and uninjured. If there’s another vehicle involved in the accident, check to make sure that the driver and any passengers are OK too. Accidents are stressful, but keeping a calm, normal demeanor will help you stay in control of the situation.
2. Move impacted vehicles out of traffic
If your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road or as far away from traffic as possible while still remaining at the scene of the accident. Warn oncoming traffic using your hazard lights and/or setting up road flares.
3. Call the police to report the accident
- Dial 911 and wait for the police to arrive.
- Answers any questions so the police officer can file a police report.
- Provide driver’s license and insurance information.
- Tell the police exactly what happened and stick with the facts.
- Ask for the name and badge number of all officers you engage with.
- Request a copy of the police report for your insurance company.
If the police can’t get to the scene or aren’t dispatched, exchange information with the other driver. You can usually file a report yourself at your local police station or department of motor vehicles instead.
4. Exchange info & take pictures
While the police report provides official documentation of the crash, always take your own pictures of the damage to your vehicle, as well as pictures of any other vehicles involved as a part of your car accident checklist. Gather images from multiple angles to show exactly where any impact occurred. These images can help your claims representative determine who’s at fault in the accident.
Be sure to get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver. If possible, swap other information such as car makes and models, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers. If there are third-party witnesses at the scene, politely ask for their contact information.
5. Start the claims process
Regardless of who’s at fault, it’s a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred. Keep in mind that it’s your choice whether to file an auto insurance claim with your insurer or the other driver’s insurer. You can also file a car insurance claim without filing a police report. Generally, your insurer just needs some basic information about the accident to open a claim, including any pictures you took of the damage. A claims representative will be assigned to you and will help you through the claims process.
Spanish Speaking Wrongful Death Attorney in Houston, Texas
Spanish-speaking individuals can have a more difficult time seeking justice in their personal injury cases due to language barriers. This causes them to not take action against those who have left them with financial devastation and physical trauma. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, our team refuses to let a language barrier affect your right to justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and is in need of Spanish-speaking legal advice, our team is here for you.
We make it easy for those who have been injured due to the actions of others to navigate the legal system in order to get the results they need to continue on in their lives. Schedule your no-obligation car accident consultation with Attorney Caruthers today. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your needs are being met and that you are getting the treatment you deserve in your car accident case. Don’t hesitate, the sooner you call the more we can do to get you results.
Houston Car Accident Attorney for Wrongful Death Suit
Have you lost someone in a motor vehicle accident and are now seeking monetary damages? Surviving family members may be eligible for financial compensation by winning a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury, experienced loss of income, or are unable to work due to a car accident, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or due to not having access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can help you!
Our team works hard to bring the most efficient and practical solutions to your car accident case. Beverly R. Caruthers proudly serves and defends the Greater Houston area including but not limited to Baytown, Conroe, Crosby, Humble, Huntsville, Lake Jackson, Missouri City, Pasadena, Spring, Tomball.
Beverly R Caruthers Law Office
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 620
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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