If you have been involved in a car accident in Bexar County, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney so that your legal rights are protected from the very beginning. As we travel the roads, there is a likelihood that we might end up in a car accident. This sudden unexpected event can be an inconvenience at best and more often than not, a life changing experience. The insurance company that covers the other driver that struck your vehicle has only one goal after an accident. That goal is to protect the at fault driver. No matter the circumstances, you are suddenly put in a position where you have to be on the defensive. And as a result, it is vital that you have a legal team on your side to make sure that the insurance company handles your claim in a fair and equitable manner. When you contact a personal injury attorney, they will be able to take over the claim and make sure you are legally protected every step of the way. Here are a few steps that you must take after a car accident to protect yourself.
Call 911
After an accident, the first thing that you should do is call 911 to request law enforcement assistance and emergency medical attention, if necessary. It is important to check on all passengers if your vehicle is damaged to make sure they are not seriously injured. If anyone is injured, emergency medical services should be requested. When you call 911, they might send law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services. The individuals that are seriously injured should immediately be transported to a hospital.
Carefully move your vehicle off of the road to a safe location.
If you are physically able, and your car is drivable, carefully move it off of the roadway to prevent any further accidents. If you are unable to move your vehicle off of the roadway, you should put your hazard lights on to alert oncoming traffic that your vehicle is immobile. You should then get out of your vehicle and relocate to a safe place away from oncoming traffic. Once you are away from the vehicle in a safe place, wait for law enforcement to arrive.
Gather information at the accident scene.
While you wait for law enforcement and EMS to arrive, make sure to gather information from the accident scene. This would include the following:
- Take photos of the all of the vehicles’ damage. Depending on how many vehicles are involved in the collision, it is important to take photos of all of the vehicle’s visible property damage. Your personal injury attorney will ask for this and it is very helpful to have these photos to show the insurance company;
- Take photos of the accident scene. There are times when drivers have different versions of how the accident took place. This can lead to a disputed insurance claim which could jeopardize your ability to resolve the claim in a timely manner. Make sure to take photos of the street signs, traffic signs, traffic lights, and roadway if possible. These visualizations will help both law enforcement, and the insurance company get a better understanding of the incident;
- Take photo of other driver’s license and insurance. It is not necessary to have a lengthy discussion with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. But it is important to request their driver’s license and insurance for you to photograph. You will need this information when you file your claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company;
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Be aware of any witnesses that might be willing to provide their information in the event the claim is disputed. A witness can be a key factor in resolving a claim. If there are any witnesses who are willing to speak with you, ask them for their contact information. Don’t forget to thank them for being a good citizen. It is not always the case that bystanders are willing to help. So, when one does, it is very much appreciated.
Be clear and concise with the statements that you give to law enforcement.
When law enforcement shows up to the scene, they will speak to all drivers involved. What you say could significantly impact your ability to hold others accountable and seek compensation for your injuries. You will be asked if you are injured and to provide your version of the incident. Do not tell the law enforcement officer that you are not injured. Your adrenaline is pumping and your body has not yet responded to potential pain that might be the result of being slammed inside of your vehicle. Make sure to tell the officer that you are not sure if you are injured, and you plan on seeking medical attention. When the officer asks you to state how the incident occurred, be very clear and concise with your answer. The main facts that the officer will be interested in is what street you were on and what you were doing in the moments leading up to the accident. Make sure you give them a clear statement because they are going to document that on the police report. Do not guess or assume anything while providing your answer. Your personal injury attorney will request a copy of the police report after it is made public.
Seek Medical Attention
If you did not require immediate medical attention at the scene of the collision, it’s important to seek medical care once you have left the scene. Even if you do not believe that you are injured, you need to see a doctor as a precaution. Various injuries may not be felt until hours or even days after the accident. Similarly, the adrenaline rush caused by the accident may be masking internal trauma including bleeding, soft tissue injuries, concussions, and even broken bones. By seeking medical care now, you’ll better ensure that you’re safeguarding your wellbeing overall. Make sure to keep records of your medical visits to share with your attorney. Your lawyer will use this information when negotiating with insurance companies and/or filing legal action on your behalf.
Speak to your San Antonio attorney
After an accident, it is important to connect with your personal injury lawyer so that you can begin exploring your legal options. Depending on the unique circumstances of your accident, you may benefit most significantly from allowing your attorney to negotiate insurance settlements on your behalf. However, you may also benefit from taking legal action designed to hold those responsible for the harm you have suffered due to their negligent, reckless, and/or intentional behaviors. Every case is different, so it’s important not to make assumptions about which options may work best for you until you have spoken with a San Antonio personal injury attorney with significant experience in this area of law.
Legal Assistance Is Available at Mack Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Bexar County, please connect with the experienced personal injury team at Mack Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. The quicker you contact us, the faster we can begin protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and advocating on your behalf. We understand that the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming. Our staff takes great pride in advocating on behalf of victims with focus, dedication, efficiency, and compassion so that those who have been affected by collisions can focus on their recovery.
Nathaniel Mack III has years of experience handling catastrophic car accident cases, truck accident cases, motorcycle, cycling, and pedestrian accident matters, and other kinds of injurious collisions. No matter what the circumstances surrounding your accident may have been, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation. You only pay if you win. Once you have had your questions answered and been advised of your legal options, we can provide you with support and guidance for whatever decisions you ultimately choose to make regarding your case. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car or trucking accident, call for a free consultation today!
