Immediately after a car accident, you’ll be faced with a potentially overwhelming situation and the question of how you should respond. You want to start by making sure that everyone in your vehicle is okay and refrain from getting into an altercation with the other driver. If you are ever in an accident, here are some things you should do (and avoid doing) to ensure that everyone is safe and you get the compensation you deserve.
Call the Police and an Ambulance if Needed
If people are injured, call 911 as soon as possible. Let them know what happened and they will send out a police car as well as an ambulance or fire truck if needed. At the bare minimum, you should ask for a police vehicle to come out and help you. The police station files reports and makes sure that no criminal activity has happened. San Antonio police cruisers are trained to handle such accidents, and it is always best to call 911 right away.
Trade Insurance Information
This is where your insurance card comes into play. If you don’t have insurance, you might face some legal problems, but if you do, then you should swap this information with the other driver. When you get home, call your insurance company and make sure that you are covered for this type of accident. Go through your entire insurance plan if the insurance company states that you are not covered. There have been plenty of times when insurance companies wrongfully deny claims to make more money.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers will help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for being injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. If you believe that someone else was a cause of this car accident, make sure to contact an injury attorney in your city who is well-versed in local statutes and laws. Our San Antonio car accident lawyers are always ready to hear about your case in a free legal consultation.
Don’t Trust The Other Driver
After an accident, the other driver might want to avoid calling the police. They might be afraid of getting a ticket or be concerned that their insurance premiums will go up. If this is the case, the at-fault driver might offer to pay for your damages out of their pocket. But his “arrangement” doesn’t work out well. You end up with very little proof about what happened during the accident and can end up getting nothing in terms of compensation. Additionally, it is illegal in Texas to not call the police after an accident that results in personal property damage of $1,000 or more.
Don’t Wait To See The Doctor
Accidents are often traumatic, and injuries might not be readily apparent. This doesn’t mean you don’t have any injuries. If you are having symptoms after a car crash, visit your doctor. Even if your injuries end up being minor, it’s best to be safe. The last thing you want is a minor injury getting worse because it wasn’t treated in time. Getting prompt medical attention will also help prove that your injuries were a result of the accident.
Don’t Talk to The Insurance Company
After an accident, you should get a lawyer as soon as possible. The insurance companies will be fighting to get a statement from you. It might seem like they are trying to be proactive and take care of you, but don’t let that fool you. Insurance companies make their money by settling with victims for the lowest amount possible. They will use anything you say to justify a low settlement. If you hire a lawyer, you can direct all contact to them. Your lawyer will be able to handle everything from there and ensure you get the maximum amount for your injuries.
Injured in San Antonio? Contact The Texas Law Guns
Have you or a loved one been in a serious car crash and suffered injuries? If so, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The San Antonio car accident attorneys at Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call or contact us via our website to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.
The Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS dedicates their time and effort towards helping people in Texas find justice for personal negligence encountered while living their normal, everyday lives.