What to Do if You’re in a Texas Auto Accident

Auto Accidents: Choose Lawyers with Compassion

We understand that you’re facing many worries as a result of your Texas auto accident and resulting injuries. Worries like how to pay your bills, when to return to work, how to care for your family, and what to do to get adequate compensation from the insurance company for your injuries and suffering. The Texas injury attorneys of Daniel Stark make it their goal to help ease some of these burdens for their clients.

As one of our clients, you don’t have to worry about the insurance company. We will communicate with them and other parties on your behalf and keep you informed every step of the way to ensure we are acting in your best interest. Additionally, we’ll fight to get you the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means settling your claim or proceeding with a trial.

» Contact Daniel Stark auto accident injury lawyers today for a free consultation or call us toll free at (866) 241-4861.

What Do You Do if Involved in an Auto Accident?

(Much of this information provided courtesy of The State Bar of Texas.)

1. STOP!
   Assess you and your family members’ conditions.

2. TREAT INJURIES
   If anyone is injured:

1. Render first aid if qualified;

2. Help stop bleeding;

3. Call a doctor, ambulance, or both;

4. Do not move an injured person in any way that could add to his or her injury.

3. PROTECT OTHER DRIVERS
   You may be liable for damages to approaching drivers, unless they are properly warned. If the highway is obstructed at night, illuminate the accident scene if possible.

4. CALL THE POLICE
   Policemen, highway patrolmen, sheriffs, and their deputies are trained auto accident investigators whose testimony may be invaluable in establishing your auto accident claim for damages.

5. GATHER INFORMATION & WRITE IT DOWN
   Do not trust your memory. Do not guess, but be specific. Gather the following information:

1. Name, address, and telephone number of the other driver(s);

2. Driver’s license number and license plate number of all of the drivers and vehicles involved;

3. Insurance information from all drivers involved in the collision;

4. Witnesses’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers (ask them to stay and discuss the accident with the investigating officer);

5. Name, agency, and badge number of the investigating officer; and

6. Pictures of the accident if you are able.

6. BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU SAY
   Even if you feel you might be at fault, it is best to not make statements to anyone about who caused the auto accident. Certainly, you should cooperate with the police and answer any questions about what occurred. You may learn later that the other driver was equally at fault, or more so.
   Emotional comments can be misconstrued by others or may be misquoted. Let your injury lawyer talk for you later—you get the FACTS.

7. SEE YOUR DOCTOR
   Serious injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed. If there is the slightest chance you may be injured, see a doctor; you are entitled to that.

8. CONSULT YOUR LAWYER IMMEDIATELY
   The sooner your lawyer is brought into the matter, the better he or she can advise you and protect your rights. Your lawyer can obtain statements from the witnesses while their memories are fresh, and do many other things to ensure that the true facts are preserved. Get your lawyer’s advice before giving any interviews or statements to investigators or adjustors.

Take It Step by Step

If you haven’t done so already, contact a Texas auto accident lawyer at one of our offices for a free initial consultation during which one of our auto accident lawyers will evaluate your potential case and answer your questions. If you put off seeking legal action for your injuries, important evidence may disappear or simply not be available with time and you may not have adequate documentation of your injuries without the guidance of a Texas auto accident lawyer.

After making the initial call to our Texas personal injury lawyers, keep these points in mind to help your potential case.

• Follow all of your doctor’s recommendations for medication and care, and be sure to attend every doctor’s appointment to help ensure that the extent of your injuries is adequately and thoroughly documented.

• Don’t sign releases or statements for insurance adjustors. Doing so can potentially hurt your claim.

What If the Accident Was My Fault?

If the accident was your fault, laws regarding fault will determine whether or not you can recover for your losses. Talk with a Texas auto accident attorney about your car accident to find out more about Texas laws and how they apply to your potential claim.

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Who Can I Sue to Recover Damages?

Depending on your case, you may be able to sue someone other than the at-fault driver. For example, if the at-fault driver was operating a friend’s car, you may be able to sue both the driver and the owner of the vehicle for your damages and losses. If the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, you may be able to bring a complaint against the bar or establishment where the driver was drinking. This is called a dram shop complaint and is based on the establishment serving alcohol to a driver who was notably impaired. If a defect in an involved auto or roadway played a part in the accident, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the car or construction company responsible for the roadway defect.

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Helpful Texas Auto Accident Resources

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS:

• What to do if you’re in a Texas auto accident
• Injuries and compensation
• Insurance claims: Dos and Dont’s
• What if the accident was my fault?
• Who can I sue to recover damages?
• Auto accidents resource links

 

» Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, contact the Texas car accident attorneys from Daniel Stark for a free and confidential consultation. Simply complete a free consultation request form or call us toll free at (866) 241-4861. We have offices in Bryan* and Waco.

Daniel Stark practices in the following areas: auto accident, trucking accident, wrongful death, construction site injury, drug injury, defective product injury, dog bite injury, electrocution and burn, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse.

* Main office located in Bryan, Texas

** No attorney's fees unless you recover. Court costs, litigation expenses, and unpaid medical expenses are paid from client's share of the recovery. However, if there is no recovery, client will not be responsible for any court costs or litigation expenses, except client's unpaid medical bills.