Corpus Christi What to Do After an Auto Accident

A car accident happens in a terrifying instant that can leave you hurt, scared and confused about what to do next. In the aftermath of a traffic collision, the first thing you should do is to assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Contact the police or call 911 and let them know if emergency medical responders are necessary.

Do not leave the scene of the accident until you have spoken with police. The role of police is to document the accident as accurately and objectively as possible. When making a statement to police, do not admit fault or say that you are sorry for the car accident. Under no circumstances should you admit fault for the accident or give a recorded statement to your insurance provider or the insurance companies of other involved drivers without an attorney present.

Generally speaking, the more information you’re able to gather immediately following a motor vehicle accident the stronger your case will be should you need to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Make every effort to take your own photos of all aspects of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. If you have a “smart phone” use it to take the pictures. Try and get the names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses who might have seen what happened.

Try and get the names, addresses and phone numbers of the other driver and any passengers in the other vehicle.

Take a look at the scene of the accident and see if you notice any security or surveillance cameras which might have gotten a video of the accident. If you see any, make a note of what business or home the camera appears to belong to. Get the name and address of that business or home.

Look around to see if anyone else is taking pictures at or near the accident scene. If you see anyone taking pictures, with a cell phone or camera, try and get their names, addresses and phone numbers.

Politely and respectfully get the name and shield or badge number of any officer who appears to be investigating, writing notes or writing a report at the scene of the accident. Always get a “report number,” “item number,” “case number” or whatever the investigating officer uses to identify this accident report from others. This one item may be the most important thing you can do. It will allow you or your attorney to quickly get a copy of the investigative report made about the accident by law enforcement.

If anyone needs an ambulance or other emergency medical transportation, try and find out what hospital they are being taken to. Try and get the name and as much information as you can politely obtain about the person being taken in the ambulance.

Following this advice will help you and your attorney get you the maximum recovery allowed by law. It will usually cut down the time until a good recovery is possible.

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If you have been injured in a car accident, protect your health and your rights. Even if your injuries do not seem serious, your condition may not be adequately diagnosed and could grow worse. Contact Carabin Shaw today via email, or by phone at 361.444.1111 day or night.