What To Do If You've Been In An Accident

Dallas Attorneys Helping Accident Victims

At the Dallas-based law firm of Jerry D. Andrews P.C., we understand that it can be frightening and overwhelming to be involved in any type of motor vehicle accident. Things can become exponentially worse if you or a loved one has been injured in the crash.

Attorney Jerry D. Andrews has been board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and he proudly represents accident victims throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, he and his team are well aware of the challenges that arise at the scene—long before you get the chance to call a lawyer. With this in mind, we would like to offer the following guide on what to do in the wake of a car, truck, or motorcycle accident.

Take Stock of the Scene and Call the Police

With the volume of traffic seeming to grow each year, there is a good chance that you will be involved in at least one accident in your lifetime. If an accident does occur, be sure to take the following actions to protect yourself and your rights:

• Check for injuries – Not all injuries will be evident immediately but take a moment to check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle to see if anyone is hurt. If it is safe to get out of the car, check on the occupants of any other involved vehicles as well.
• Get to safety – If you are able to do so, move to a place that is out of danger and away from the flow of traffic. Moving your vehicle is a good idea as well.
• Call the police – Texas law requires the reporting of accidents that involve injuries or significant property damage. More importantly, getting the police on the scene will help with getting a record of the crash. Be sure to get a copy of the officer's report before leaving the scene.
• Collect important information – If your cell phone has not been damaged in the crash, use it to take photos and/or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic control devices, road conditions, weather conditions, skid marks, or any debris resulting from the accident. You should also get names, contact details, and insurance company information from all others involved in the crash, as well as contact information for any witnesses.
• Do not discuss the crash with anyone but the police – While it might be tempting to commiserate with the other driver(s), now is not the time to talk about the crash or to assign blame. Tell the police what happened, but do not admit fault or accept responsibility. Doing so could jeopardize your ability to collect compensation for your losses.
• Seek medical attention – It is always a good idea to see a medical professional following any type of car accident. If emergency medical services (EMS) personnel offer treatment at the scene or transport to a hospital, consider taking them up on it. If you decline, be sure to see your own doctor soon. Some injuries do not become evident until hours or days after the crash, and you will need your injuries to be documented in order to build a case for damages.
• Contact an attorney – As soon as you reasonably can after your accident, you should reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can help with the investigation into the accident, work with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you prepare your claim for compensation. Do not wait until things get even more complicated. Call an attorney right away.

Call 214-221-5800 for Guidance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas car accident, contact the office of Attorney Jerry D. Andrews today. Call 214-221-5800 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. We will do everything we can to ensure that your rights and best interests are fully protected as we seek to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.