If you were involved in a car crash in Austin, Texas, the immediate aftermath can be chaotic, leaving you feeling lost in your next steps. That’s why we have created a guide for our Austinites wondering, “How do I report a car accident in Austin, Texas?”
Get to Safety
After a car crash in Austin, your safety should be your top priority. If there are no injuries and the crash is minor, move your vehicle to the side of the road, an emergency lane, or a parking lot. Texas law requires drivers to move their vehicles out of the roadway, if possible, to prevent other crashes from happening. Make sure to note its final resting position after the collision.
If you’re on or near the road after a collision, be sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If the crash is serious, try to distance yourself from any hazards, like leaking gas or fire. When exiting your car, be extra cautious and stay alert, especially if the collision occurred on a busy road or highway.
Call 9-1-1
Contact law enforcement and emergency services immediately following the crash. If you are unable to make the call, have a witness or passenger call for you. Even if the other driver discourages you from calling emergency assistance, always dial 911 to ensure your safety and that of others. Drivers should report all crashes, minor or severe.
When law enforcement arrives, you may be asked to give a statement about what happened, but it’s important to never admit fault, apologize, or make any kind of admission about the incident before speaking to an experienced Austin car accident lawyer.
Before leaving the crash scene, obtain a police report number. A police officer will provide a report containing information about the drivers, insurance details, injuries sustained, crash location, weather and road conditions, witness statements, and conclusions drawn by the responding officer after investigating the scene of the crash.
If the police didn’t come to the scene because the crash was minor, call the local police department to report the crash and request a copy of the report through the law enforcement office. You can purchase a copy online through the Texas Department of Transportation.
Police reports may be missing some important key details. It’s a good idea to gather your own evidence and documentation to supplement the police report and share your side of the story with an Austin car accident lawyer.
Document
After calling 9-1-1 to report the crash, collect as much information from the crash site as possible. Try to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, and any injuries you have. This immediate evidence can help an Austin car accident lawyer build your personal injury claim later on. You should also collect the other driver’s name, insurance, and contact information. If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information, as well. Your attorney will use this information during the investigation phase of your claim.
If you can’t collect the information at the scene because of your injury, that’s okay. Getting immediate treatment should be your top priority. Don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical care for the sake of collecting evidence. If there’s a police officer on the scene, they can help gather this information for you in their report of the incident.
Call an Austin Car Accident Lawyer
It’s a common misconception that your insurance company has to be one of the first people you call after a car crash, but this isn’t always the case. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, contact a qualified Austin car accident lawyer.
An attorney can help you file your claim, speak to the insurance, arrange a rental car if your insurance covers it, and even schedule doctor appointments. After a car crash in Austin, you should be focusing on your recovery. An Austin car accident lawyer can navigate the legal complexities of your claim while you prioritize your health and recovery.
Inform your Insurance
With the help of your Austin car accident lawyer, file a claim with your insurance company. Remember that you never have to talk to the other insurance company. Allow your personal injury attorney to handle those conversations.
Your Austin car accident lawyer will work with your insurance to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Let your attorney navigate through the claims process to uncover what insurance coverage is available. They will fight to get you full value for your injury.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Austin, Texas, contact a qualified Austin car accident lawyer to help get your life back on track.
