DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
No one plans to get in a car accident but it’s important to prepare yourself ahead of time with the knowledge of how to handle yourself ahead of time. Even if there are no serious injuries, following an accident your mind is racing and your emotions run wild. Here is a simple outline of what you can do to protect yourself after an accident.
-STAY AT THE SCENE
Do not leave the scene of an accident until everything has been resolved. Even if you were not the cause of the accident there can be legal consequences to leaving the scene without first exchanging information or providing a statement. If you leave a scene when someone has suffered an injury or lost their life you will be facing serious criminal charges that can be avoided by staying calm and cooperating.
-PEOPLE BEFORE PROPERTY
Cars are valuable but the lives of you, your passengers and anyone else involved in the incident are incomparably more precious. Before accessing property damage or placing blame check on everyone at scene. Make sure they are physically and mentally stable before moving forward. If a person is not conscious or complaining of neck or back pain, do not move them. Have them wait as motionless as possible for an emergency service professional to arrive.
-CALL 911
If the police aren’t at the scene, call them. File a detailed police report, exchange information with the officers and make sure you get their names and badge numbers so future contact can be handled without hassle.
-EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Take down the information of every single person at the scene. You need to get a detailed profile on everyone present. Write down names, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, insurance, car make and model.
-DO NOT ADMIT FAULT
It may seem innocent or natural to apologize after an incident but by doing so you may be admitting legal liability. You need time to collect yourself and get a clear head before determining who is at fault.
-CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Before leaving the scene, call an insurance agent. They will ask you for all of the information they need to complete your claim. Make sure you are clear, consistent and honest. If they suspect you of lying or trying to skirt the system you can be denied coverage.
-TAKE PHOTOS
It’s 2017 and almost everyone has a cellphone with a camera these days. Utilize this modern luxury and take photos of everything! You want to build a strong case for your insurance company so you can be compensated fairly.
-KEEP DETAILED MEDICAL RECORDS
Keep detailed and organized records for all of your medical expenses. Every doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor you see or medicine you’re prescribed needs to be recorded. Keep a daily log of how you feel and the impact your injuries have had on your life.
-CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY
Insurance companies, while vital to society, are trained to settle for as little money as possible. Navigating their system alone can be overwhelming and draining. Having an experienced attorney, such as Beverly R. Caruthers represent you will ensure your inclusion and understanding in your case.
GREATER HOUSTON AREA ATTORNEY
Beverly R. Caruthers proudly serves and defends the Greater Houston area. If you need legal representation in Baytown, Conroe, Crosby, Humble, Huntsville, Lake Jackson, Missouri City, Pasadena, Spring, Tomball don’t hesitate to contact Beverly R Caruthers Law Office!
Beverly R Caruthers Law Office
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 620
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
View our Website
View our Facebook page
View our Google Listing