What Am I Legally Obligated to Do After a Car Accident?

 Posted on October 13, 2022 in Car Accidents

People do not generally leave home expecting to become involved in a motor vehicle accident due to another person’s carelessness. It can be difficult to remember what legal obligations you may have during an unforeseen emergency. However, it is important that all Texas drivers are aware of what the law says regarding their duties following a motor vehicle accident. These laws are in place to ensure that accidents can be properly investigated and legally addressed. Failing to follow the law during the aftermath of a car accident could potentially affect your claim.

Acting in compliance with Texas law may be helpful to your claim as your attorney begins to collect evidence and prepare your case. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be legally entitled to recover compensation. An attorney may be able to help. 

What Texas Law Says About Your Obligations Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

The Texas Transportation Code sets out certain duties that drivers have after a car accident. A driver who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident that has injured someone, is reasonably likely to have injured someone, or causes damage to a vehicle must: 

• Stop - Drivers must stop their vehicles at the scene of the accident or as near to it as possible. If the driver was not able to stop at the scene, they must immediately return. 
• Move, if possible - Leaving a vehicle that has been involved in an accident in the roadway substantially increases the risk of a secondary car accident. If the damaged vehicles can be driven and if it is safe to do so, drivers must move their vehicles out of the flow of traffic. 
• Provide information - You must provide your name, address, vehicle registration, and certain insurance information. If you are asked to show your driver’s license and you have it, you must. 
• Offer assistance - If a person has been injured, other parties involved in the accident must provide reasonable assistance. In many cases, the reasonable assistance requirement is met by calling an ambulance for the injured individual. 
• Contact the police - Texas drivers are required to promptly report any traffic accident resulting in personal injury or damage to a vehicle that prevents the vehicle from being normally operated. 

Following these requirements can protect the safety of those who have been injured in a car accident, while also ensuring that the accident can be promptly investigated. 

Contact a Dallas County Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we are skilled in pursuing compensation on behalf of those who have been injured by a negligent driver. Our experienced Dallas motor vehicle accident lawyer will strive to recover the highest possible amount of compensation on your behalf. Call 214-221-5800 for a free consultation. 

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.550.htm