Our Abilene car accident attorney understands that collisions happen every day. Across Texas, hundreds of motorists get into accidents that range from fender benders to fatal crashes. Understanding why these crashes happen and what you can do to lessen the effects of a crash is vital in resuming a normal life following a car accident. Texas leads the way in car accidents, with Abilene leading the way in fatal car accidents. Several major interstates run through the Abilene and Sweetwater areas, and these roads account for a disproportionately high number of accidents in the area.
Many drivers commute to work and school, crowding both surface roads and highways and making it more likely that an accident will occur. If you are involved in one of the daily accidents that happen on these roads, you may be afraid, shocked and unsure of what to do next. Getting into an auto accident is scary. Even if you are not seriously injured, the experience can leave psychological scars that affect your ability to drive and go about your daily living activities.
Knowing what to do after an accident will allow you to recover quickly, get the financial compensation you deserve to pay for damage to your car and for personal injuries. Your Abilene or Houston car accident attorney can also help you to get financial compensation for lost wages and other costs associated with your accident.
What to Do If You Get in a Car Accident in Abilene
The most important thing to do following an accident is to make sure you and the occupants of your vehicle are safe. If you can, move your vehicle out of roadways where it can cause a hazard to other drivers. Call for medical emergency assistance so that you can be sure to get treatment for any hurt passengers. Allow the medical personnel to examine you even if you feel fine. In car accidents, people often suffer from soft tissue injuries that may not be immediately evident.
It is imperative that you choose your words carefully when talking to the other driver after an accident. Some people will make seemingly innocent statements that will later cost them the financial compensation they deserve. Never apologize for the accident, admit fault or volunteer information. If you were texting when the accident occurred, never reveal this to the other driver or any witnesses at the scene. Remember, that even if you were committing a traffic infraction at the time of the accident, the other driver may still be found to be at fault.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Take photos and video of the accident scene as soon as possible. Remember that once the police arrive, they will secure the scene and it might not be possible to get your own photos. Take pictures of the damaged vehicles, the street signs, the weather conditions and any landmarks. Record a narrative of yourself describing exactly what happened, including the time, location and any other essential details. Memories fade quickly and doing this will help your attorney. This will help your attorneys to argue your case should the need for a lawsuit arise.
There are several things that you should not do if you are involved in a traffic accident in Abilene. First, do not leave the scene until you have exchanged information with the other driver or the police clear you to leave. Do not wait to get proper legal advice. There are remedies that are available to you, but there are often deadlines by which you can file for these in court. Waiting to seek legal help also increases the chances that witnesses will no longer be available and that your memories of the accident will be distorted.
Should You Sign Statements From an Insurance Company Right Away?
Do not sign any statements that the other party’s insurance company sends to you. In some cases, insurance companies will send you a check and ask you to sign a statement releasing them of all liability. This can backfire if you ever need to sue the other driver’s insurance company. The opposing insurance company is never going to pay you what your injuries and damages are worth, so never make any statements to them or sign anything before talking to your own Abilene personal injury attorney.
Getting Treatment for Your Injuries
When you are injured in a car accident, it is essential that you seek medical treatment immediately. Your doctor will keep detailed records about your injuries, and you will need these records if you decide to sue the other driver or their insurance company. It is important that you keep all appointments and stay up to date on any physical therapy or other post-accident treatment.
Hiring an Attorney to Fight Your Case
When it comes to getting the compensation you deserve for your auto accident, it pays to have an aggressive, passionate and experienced attorney fighting by your side. Contact an Abilene car accident lawyer at the Doan firm for a one on one, in-depth consultation today. From car accidents with government vehicles to truck crashes, we can help.
The Doan Law Firm
3301 N. 3RD ST.
ABILENE, TEXAS 79603
Local: (325) 307-0000
Open 24/7! Call or message our friendly lawyers for a free phone consultation!