If you were involved in an auto accident in Dallas that was not your fault, you are likely feeling shaken up and unsure about what to do next. Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers understands how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. We want to provide clear guidance on the steps to protect your health, legal rights, and financial future.
Prioritize safety
Your physical well-being should be the first concern after any car accident. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries right away. Call the police right away if anyone is hurt, even if the injuries initially appear minor. Some common accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. Immediate medical treatment and attention are critical for your health and any future legal claim.
Move your vehicle out of the path of oncoming traffic if it is safe. Turn on your hazard lights to make your car more visible to other motorists. Texas law mandates that drivers stop after any crash, resulting in injury, death, or property damage. Failure to do so could result in criminal charges.
Exchanging information and documenting the scene
Once you are in a secure location, exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. You will need their name, phone number, or other relevant contact information, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company, and policy number. Make a note of their vehicle’s make, model, year, and color.
Take photos using your phone from multiple angles of the vehicle damage to both cars involved. Capture images of any debris on the road, skid marks, traffic signs or signals, and the surrounding area. Preserving evidence is important after a car accident that is not your fault.
Cooperate with officers at the scene
When the police officer arrives, give them an accurate account of what occurred. Obtain the officers’ names and badge numbers, and ask how to get a copy of the official accident report. This report will contain essential details about the crash, including the officer’s initial assessment of fault.
Contact the insurance company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. There is typically a strict deadline for notifying them. Provide the basic facts about what happened, but refrain from speculating who was at fault or how badly you are hurt. The claims adjuster may pressure you to give a recorded statement. It is best to consult with an attorney before doing so to avoid saying anything that could harm your claim.
Even when an auto accident is not your fault, you can expect some pushback from the other driver’s insurance company. They may try to argue that your negligence contributed to the crash or that your injuries are not that severe. Remember, insurers are businesses that prioritize their bottom line. They will not pay out maximum compensation without a fight.
Next steps: What to do after an auto accident
Hiring a seasoned Dallas car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. An attorney takes on the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They understand the strategies insurers use to minimize payouts and how to counter them.
After a severe accident, you may face costly medical bills, lost income from missed work, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs or replacement, and other losses. A skilled lawyer will work tirelessly to help you pursue the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Gather information
The success of your accident claim can hinge on the strength of your evidence. An attorney can conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the crash to uncover all available proof of liability. This may include the police accident report, photos or videos from the scene, eyewitness statements, electronic data recorder information, cell phone records, toxicology test results, and testimony from expert witnesses.
Your medical records will also play an essential role in establishing the extent of your injuries and losses. Be sure to seek treatment immediately after an auto accident and attend all follow-up appointments with your doctors. Retain copies of your medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and documentation of your missed work and lost wages.
Claim insurance
There is a lot at stake after a serious car crash. Making a mistake in the claims process, such as claiming too late or accepting a lowball settlement could jeopardize your physical and financial well-being. Insurance companies often pressure accident victims to settle quickly before the extent of their injuries is known. An attorney will prevent you from unknowingly signing away your rights to future compensation.
The insurance company will likely settle your claim through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses a fair offer, your lawyer should be ready and willing to fight for you in court. The experienced trial attorneys at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers prepare every case as if it is going to trial. We are fearless in standing up to big insurance companies on behalf of our deserving clients.
Find an attorney
It is normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed after being involved in an accident that was not your fault. Lean on a compassionate attorney who has your best interests at heart. The dedicated legal team at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers will handle the complex legal process, keep you informed at every stage, and work diligently to achieve the optimal result for your unique case.
Texas law sets a strict deadline, known as a statute of limitations, for taking legal action after a car wreck. Most accident victims have just two years after the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation. That is why speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is so important.
Read more: 10 Things to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Contact Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
Were you or a loved one recently injured in a Dallas-area car accident that was someone else’s fault? You should not have to pay for a collision you did not cause. Let Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers fight to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek the justice and compensation you are entitled to just like our previous clients. Contact our team today at (214) 777-7777 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Related Posts:
Why It’s Important to Always Call the Police After an Accident
How to Report a Car Accident to Insurance