After a serious car accident, those involved can often be confused and may be unable to remember exactly how and why the accident occurred. Sometimes the accident happened so quickly that people may not really even know how it happened, or their memories may be cloudy simply due to the shock of being involved in the accident. In these cases, it is extremely important for those involved to gather as much information as possible about the accident, in order to figure out who was at fault. In a personal injury accident case that arises in from a car accident, the determination of fault is essential in establishing legal liability. In addition, insurance companies use fault to determine who will pay any claims made as a result of the accident. By properly documenting the aftermath of a car accident, you can be sure your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. As we know, car accidents happen in Houston many times a day, so it is important to know what to do and what to document if you become a victim.
Immediately following an accident, the most important thing to do is to check on everyone involved and call 911 for emergency medical help as needed. The next step is to begin to gather information about the crash and the people involved. Some examples of information to gather include:
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Names
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Phone numbers
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Addresses
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Driver’s license numbers
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Insurance information
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Vehicle descriptions
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Road conditions
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Weather
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Photos
This last item, photos, is particularly critical. Because the use of phones while driving is one of the major contributors of car accidents in Houston, we are very much against the use of smart phones while driving. That being said, they can be very useful after a car accident. After the accident your iPhone or smartphone can be used to take photographs of the damage to both vehicles, the location of the accident and position of the vehicles, the license plates of the vehicles involved, as well as the drivers license and insurance information for the other party.
Because the single most important piece of evidence in any car accident is often the police report, it is very important to call the police and let them investigate any collision that results in any level of personal injuries or property damage.
After any accident, it is important that you undergo a thorough medical evaluation conducted by a medical professional. We highly recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, whether it be at an emergency room, urgent care center, or at your personal doctor’s office. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent and a missed diagnosis may make it difficult to establish that the accident caused the injury. Finally – be certain to contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling Texas car accident cases as soon as possible.
Houston car accident Attorney Stewart Guss has almost twenty years of experience handling car accident cases in Houston, Katy, The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Cypress and throughout Texas. He understands the needs of people injured in Texas car accidents and will work tirelessly to get you the largest recovery possible for your injuries. In order to schedule a free consultation with Stewart, call our office today at 281-644-6500. Remember, the consultation is free, and there is no fee unless he wins your case.
photo copyright Adrian van Leen http://21208.openphoto.net
