After you’ve been in a car accident, you have to be considerate with how you proceed with the other driver, local authorities, and insurance companies. Not being careful can have a lot of consequences. With Texas having some of the most dangerous roads in the country, being aware of what to do after an accident can save your life.
This guide will answer any questions you have about the aftermath of a car accident and what steps you need to take, like gathering all important information to visiting a car accident chiropractor after an accident. Read on for seven things you must do after a car accident in Texas.
Stay at the Scene of the Auto Accident
Some people get overwhelmed and may be tempted to flee the scene after a car accident. You may be extremely nervous, or you may fear repercussions or injury. But, fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal in Texas. Stop and stay at the scene of the accident until the police have arrived. Fleeing the scene of an accident is the same as fleeing the scene of a crime. It’s a felony offense in Texas. If you flee the scene, you could face legal repercussions.
Check for Car Crash Injuries & Get Immediate Medical Care
Check yourself and any others in the car for injuries. If you see any injuries, seek medical attention immediately. If you have health insurance, you shouldn’t have any issues getting the help you need. The other drivers, passengers, and witnesses may also be injured. If you see that someone needs immediate medical attention, attempt to call 911. Otherwise, try to gather information about the other people involved in the accident.
Get All the Car Crash Information You Can
Any information gathered can help you, the police, and your insurance company which can make things more smooth sailing. Make sure to get the following information if it is safe or possible to do so:
Check for witnesses: Ask for names and contact information, and take down any information they give you, including their car and license plate number, if possible. If there are any videos or pictures of the accident, ask the people who witnessed it if they will provide you with a copy. You can use that information later on in case the police or insurance companies need it.
Exchange info with the other parties: Do not let the other parties leave until you have their information. Make sure to get their names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance company information. If the accident is a hit-and-run, try to get the license plate number, the make and model of the car, and any identifying details such as color and rust spots.
Record the car accident scene: Take pictures of the accident scene. You can use your phone or any other device to document the scene. This will help you remember the details of the accident, including
- Vehicular damage
- The accident scene
- Details of the road (curves, traffic signals, etc.)
- Other pertinent road obstacles
The following items above can help if you need to dispute your insurance claim later on.
Check With Your Car Insurance Company
Your car insurance company will help you with the process of filing a claim once you let them know about the accident. Remember that you may not want to talk about fault or make any claims without the help of an attorney. Otherwise, you can report the accident to the insurance company. Once proven that the accident was not your fault, you have the right to be compensated and given care.
Keep All Your Receipts from Car Repairs or Hospitalization
If you have to pay for any of the damage to your car or injuries you sustained during the accident, you’ll need to keep receipts. You may need them to dispute your insurance claim later on. When found at fault by the state, you may be responsible for paying for damages to the other cars. However, receipts will help you show that you put money towards damages. This is also useful if the other party is found to be at fault and is seeking damages from you. You can prove that you paid for damages, so you shouldn’t have to pay again.
One Last Thing: Find the Best Accident Injury Care Provider
Although car accidents are a common occurrence, they are often very serious and can lead to significant injuries and damages. Once out of the accident scene, medical care is of utmost importance. Even if it is just a minor crash, your body may have sustained injuries that are not noticeable immediately, that’s why it is important to get checked for injuries. Our car accident chiropractors at Affordable Chiropractic are one of the best injury care providers and can help diagnose injuries and speed up injury healing through non-invasive and all-natural treatments like chiropractic therapy and active rehabilitation.
If you have just been in a car accident, contact us today to start your road to recovery.