Immediate Actions After a No-Fault Car Accident in Beaumont, Texas
Posted on Thursday, January 25th, 2024 at 8:31 pm
Have you been in a Beaumont car accident that wasn’t your fault? Feeling confused and unsure about your next steps in such a stressful situation is normal. Here’s what you need to know about the steps you should take immediately after a car accident in Beaumont, Texas.
Getting to Safety and Rendering Aid
In the immediate aftermath of a Texas car accident, your first step should always be to ensure your safety and those of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic or contributing to any further accidents. If relocating your car isn’t possible, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to slow down and be cautious as they pass.
Next, check on everyone involved in the accident, including passengers in your vehicle, the other driver, and any pedestrians. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Texas law requires you to aid anyone injured in the accident, which means calling for emergency medical help if needed. Do not try to move anyone injured unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire, since moving them could worsen their injuries.
Contacting the Police
In Texas, you need to contact the police immediately after a car accident in certain situations. You must make a report of the car accident injury, death, or significant property damage (typically over $1,000). However, if the police respond to the scene and create their own police report of the accident, you might not have to do so yourself.
When you call the police, they will usually come to the accident scene to perform several important tasks. First, they will secure the area to ensure it’s safe for everyone and prevent any additional accidents. Then, they will check on all the parties involved in the accident for injuries and call for medical assistance if necessary.
The police will also investigate the scene and create an accident report, which is a vital document. The report will contain information about the accident, including statements from drivers, passengers, witnesses, vehicle damage details, and the officer’s observations. You will typically need this report if you file an insurance claim.
Exchanging Contact and Insurance Information
Your next step should be exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the collision. You should do this right after ensuring everyone’s safety and contacting the police as necessary.
Here’s what you need to exchange with other drivers:
- Names and Contact Information: Share your full name, phone number, and address. Get the same information from the other drivers. This makes it possible to stay in touch as you sort out the details of the accident.
- Insurance Details: Give your insurance company’s name and your policy number to the other drivers, and collect their insurance information, too. This is necessary for filing a claim and getting your expenses covered.
- Vehicle Information: Write down the makes, models, and colors of all the other vehicles, along with their license plate numbers. Provide your vehicle’s details to the other drivers, too. This will make it easier to identify the vehicles involved when you file an insurance claim or a report.
- Driver’s License Numbers: Exchange driver’s license numbers to ensure that the information provided is accurate and that insurance companies can verify it.
Even if the accident seems minor, exchanging this information is essential. Sometimes, the extent of damage or injuries isn’t immediately apparent. Having the details of other drivers makes it easier to resolve any issues that might come up later. Remember, exchanging information is about being prepared, not placing blame.
Gathering Evidence
Taking photos and gathering evidence after a car accident in Texas is important for filing an insurance claim or if the case goes to court. These images can prove what happened and demonstrate who was at fault. Once you make sure everyone is safe and exchange information with the other drivers, use your phone or camera to capture clear photos of:
- All Vehicles Involved: Take pictures from different angles to show the damage to each vehicle. Include wide shots to show the relative positions of the vehicles on the road.
- License Plates: Snap clear photos of the license plates of all vehicles involved.
- Road Conditions: Take pictures of the road where the accident happened. Look for skid marks, broken glass, or anything else that shows how the accident occurred. If the weather or road conditions contributed to the accident, photograph these details as well.
- Traffic Signs and Signals: If there are traffic signs or signals near the accident site, take pictures of them, too.
Notifying the Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is essential after a car accident in Texas. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do when communicating with them:
Do
- Report the Accident Promptly: Most insurance companies have deadlines for when you need to report an accident. It’s best to report the crash immediately to preserve your right to file a claim.
- Provide Factual Information: Never lie to the insurance company. Stick to the facts without offering opinions or guesses about what happened.
- Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage or the next steps, ask. Understanding your policy and how it applies to the accident is essential.
Don’t
- Admit Fault: Even if you think you caused the accident, don’t say this to your insurance company. There could be factors you’re unaware of that contributed to the accident.
- Agree to a Recorded Statement Without Preparation: You can consult an attorney before providing a recorded statement. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide you on what to say.
- Accept the First Settlement Offer Without Considering It: Sometimes, the first offer might not cover all your expenses. It’s okay to negotiate or ask for time to consider the offer.
Contact a Beaumont Car Accident Lawyer Now
Are you feeling overwhelmed after a Beaumont car crash? Remember, you don’t have to handle this alone. You can contact a trusted attorney for support and legal guidance. In fact, this might be the most critical step you can take after a car accident. Your lawyer can prepare a strong claim on your behalf and deal with the insurance companies while you focus on getting better.
At Portner Bond, PLLC, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and how our Beaumont car accident attorneys can assist you. Contact our law firm at (409) 838-4444 or through our online form to take control of your situation today.