What to Do When You Get Involved in a Car Accident According to Texas Legal Counsels
More than 5.8 million auto accidents happen each year in the US. Luckily, many of them only involve property damages. However, only one in four car accidents involves personal injuries to passengers or drivers.
If you get involved in a car accident, there are several things you may do so as to protect your interests and yourself too. Some of these things include:
1. Get out of Danger
If the accident is just minor and you haven’t been injured, be sure to carefully drive your vehicle to the roadside to avoid impeding traffic. Keep the hazard lights on, and make sure you set up reflective emergency triangles or flares to alert drivers on the road to slow their cars down.
But if the accident is serious and someone has been hurt, leave the car where it is. Even when you don’t think that you have been harmed, be more careful as you get out of the car, particularly if the collision occurred on a busy street or highway.
2. Dial 911
If you dial 911, police officers are likely to be dispatched to the scene of the accident. If no individual got injured, you would need to give the police a call, especially when the property’s damage exceeds a particular amount set by Texas law.
The cost of damage is not possible to determine at the accident’s scene. So it will be a good idea to file a report. The police officers can talk to every individual who has been involved in a car accident. The presence of police officers can also be helpful when it turns out the party at fault was driving without auto insurance or under the influence of alcohol.
3. Contact a Lawyer
Even when you think the car accident was just minor, you will never know what consequences can pop up. And you might need to be sure that you’re well protected.
You can also visit this site to hire an auto accident lawyer even when the insurance firm looks as if it may pay for the damages incurred. After all, insurance firms are always looking to pay the least compensation amount and won’t have your best interests at heart.
Unlike insurers, your lawyer will help to ascertain that your interests and rights are protected. In order to choose a good lawyer, look at their list of credentials, personalities, and experienced, just to name a few.
4. Seek Medical Help
Many individuals with the shock of a car accident trying to minimize their trauma by denying that they are hurt. Most of the time, all they want is to go home to process the event.
However, as much as uncomfortable it can be to get medical help, it is important to visit a nearby hospital for a checkup. Always get medical assistance even when you feel okay.
In a Nutshell!
Accidents occur, even to the most careful drivers. So if it happens to you, make sure you remain calm. Afterward, get to safety, seek medical help, contact the police, and call your attorney for legal assistance.
