When considering what to do after a minor car accident, you need to check for injuries, exchange information with the other driver(s), collect evidence, contact your insurance company, and, if necessary, call the police to report the accident.
Along with these steps, contact a Houston car accident lawyer to protect your rights to compensation if you were injured and need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Check for Injuries in a Safe Location
Immediately after a minor car accident, attempt to move your vehicle to the side of the road or to a safer location away from traffic. This ensures that no further accidents occur, compounding any damages or injuries. If you are unable to move your car, relocate yourself and any passengers to a safe area.
Even before assessing the damage to your vehicle, you need to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call the police immediately for emergency assistance. The police and emergency services can assess the situation and help you with any necessary medical care.
Exchange Contact Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange contact information with all other drivers involved in the collision. Even after a minor car accident, gathering comprehensive information is crucial to protect your legal rights. While remaining polite and respectful, be firm about obtaining this information, as it is your legal right and is essential for protecting your interests.
Obtain their full legal name, phone number, address, email address, insurance company name, policy number, and driver‘s license number.
Verify the insurance information by checking the insurance card and note the policy’s expiration date. Also, record their vehicle’s make, model, year, and license plate number.
If the other driver refuses to provide information, note their vehicle’s description and license plate number and immediately contact the police. When speaking with the other driver, be careful what you say and avoid saying anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt.
Gathering this information protects you from potential fraud or misrepresentation by the other driver and establishes a clear record of who was involved in the accident.
Contact Law Enforcement After a Minor Car Accident
Call the police immediately to report the collision and create an official incident record. Even if injuries seem minor or vehicle damage appears superficial, it is imperative to have a police report. Certain injuries may not manifest immediately, and some vehicle damage may not be apparent.
What initially appears to be a minor incident can escalate into a more significant issue. A police report provides crucial documentation for insurance companies to investigate the accident, determine fault, and process any subsequent claims. This official record protects your interests and helps ensure a fair resolution.
Your health and safety are the top priority. In the last year of data, the Texas Department of Transportation (TX DOT) reported that 250,335 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in our state. These statistics underscore the importance of prioritizing safety after a collision.
When to Report Your Accident to the Police
Texas Transportation Code 550 requires anyone in an accident to report the accident to the police if the crash left someone with a severe injury or caused vehicle damage that renders the car inoperable.
After a minor car accident, you have ten days to file a report if there was any level of injury or at least $1,000 in damage. If police are not contacted, you may still be able to file a car insurance claim without a police report.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
Document the scene by thoroughly noting any further identifying details of the vehicles and accident location. Take pictures of any vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible damage. If applicable, seek out any witnesses and obtain their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw.
Be sure to capture details such as weather and precipitation, time of day, and roadway conditions. If possible, use a ruler or another object to scale the photos of damage. This evidence may provide vital proof for your car accident claim later on.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Promptly notify your insurance provider about your collision, regardless of who was at fault or how severe the accident seemed. Your insurance company will require all the information you gathered from the other parties involved, including contact details, insurance information, and any witness statements. Timely notification is essential for initiating the claims process and protecting your coverage.
Regardless of fault, your insurer can coordinate with other involved insurance companies to process any resulting claims efficiently. Filing a claim is generally advisable, especially if vehicle damage exceeds your deductible or if any injuries, however minor they seem, are present. Such documentation protects your interests should issues arise later.
When to Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Crash
Even seemingly minor car accidents can have lasting consequences, which is why it is essential to consult with an experienced legal representative.
While many minor fender-benders are resolved without legal support, situations such as delayed injuries, disputed fault, uncooperative insurance, and other complexities can necessitate finding a good personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can explain your legal rights after an accident, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you throughout the claims process.
Many personal injury lawyers, like us, offer free initial consultations, where they can assess your situation and advise you on whether legal representation is necessary.
If you are attempting to choose between two law firms, this appointment can also help you determine if they would be a good fit for your situation. Make sure that you choose a firm that is experienced in personal injury law, values clear communication, fits with your values, and puts you at ease.
If you have further questions about car accidents and pursuing compensation for your injuries, check out FAQs from our clients or contact us directly to learn more about your specific situation.
Do not underestimate the potential impact of a car accident on your life, regardless of how minor it may initially appear. Protecting your health and financial well-being should be your top priority.
Trust in Lowe Law to Help You Find Justice
Dealing with even a minor car accident can be a pain, but you do not have to do it alone. Contact the experienced legal team at Lowe Law to learn how we can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries after a minor car accident.
Set up a free case consultation today to get started.
