Let’s say you’re driving to work one morning as you do every day. But on this particular day, as you make your right turn into your work’s driveway, another car turns at the same time and crashes into the side of your vehicle. What do you do? Do you call a Houston car accident attorney first? Do you call the police or emergency services?
It can be frightening to get into a car accident in Houston. Many people end up making the wrong decision because they aren’t prepared ahead of time. In the following article, we will outline the exact steps you should take if you get into a car accident in Houston.
What to Do Directly after Being in a Car Accident
- Ensure that everyone is safe in your vehicle.
Assess your own safety first. Check yourself over and make sure that you haven’t been injured. Ask the other passengers in your vehicle how they are. If necessary, call emergency services.
- Call the police.
The police must be notified in the event of a car accident, no matter what happened, and no matter who was at fault.
- Never move your vehicle or anyone who is injured unless it is absolutely necessary.
Although it may seem like you should move your car out of the way if you got into an accident in the middle of the road, you actually should not move it unless you must do so for safety. The same goes for anyone who is injured. Unless they are in immediate danger, do not move them until emergency services arrive.
- Gather as much evidence as possible.
It is possible that in the future you may need to file a lawsuit pertaining to your car accident. As a result, you should gather as much evidence from the scene of the accident as possible. Take pictures of your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. Take pictures of any injuries. Make sure to get multiple angles of the scene of the accident. If anyone was nearby, ask them if they saw the accident. If they did, gather their personal contact information and a short summary of what they saw.
You should also make sure to get the contact and insurance information from the other driver. Finally, gather the police report and any medical reports that were drawn up.
- If needed, get in touch with a Houston car accident attorney.
Lastly, contact a Houston car accident attorney if you were severely injured in the accident and it was not your fault. You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
By following the steps above, you’ll have the best possible preparation to make out well, even after being in a car accident.
