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You are just going about your day when, all of a sudden, everything comes to a halt. In just a split second, you see another vehicle coming out of nowhere, you hear the awful sound of brakes screeching and metal being crushed, and you feel the pain of the impact as your vehicle is hit and your entire life is turned upside down. A car accident can be overwhelming and devastating, causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain – especially when it is caused by someone else’s negligence. Car accident legal services in Mesquite go over the crucial steps you need to take to protect your rights after a car accident in Texas. If you were hurt in a car accident, call the Oberg Law Office at 972-672-9700.
What Should I Do at the Scene of the Accident?
After a car accident, it is important to assess the scene by checking for injuries and calling for emergency medical help if you or anyone else is injured. If the vehicles can be moved and if it is safe to do so, you may want to move them to a safe area away from traffic, but be sure to take pictures or videos of the scene of the accident before moving the vehicles.
Remember to get the name, contact information, and insurance details of the other driver involved and thoroughly document the scene by taking photos and videos of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, the damage to each vehicle, skid marks on the roadway, and any visible injuries. It is also helpful to collect information from any witnesses who may have been at the scene.
Am I Required to Report the Accident to the Police and to My Insurance Company?
In Texas, drivers who are involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in more than $1,000.00 of property damage, injuries, or death should report the accident to the TxDOT within ten days. If a police officer is dispatched to the accident scene, the officer will take care of filing the report. Otherwise, it is the driver’s responsibility to report the accident, and failure to do so could result in penalties such as a license suspension.
In addition, it is crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, regardless of who may have been at fault. Each insurance policy may have different reporting requirements, but many of them require drivers to report the accident within a few days. It is worth mentioning that the Texas statute of limitations for car accident damages is two years, and this legal deadline may also affect how much time you may have to file a claim or initiate a personal injury lawsuit, if applicable.
Why Should I See a Doctor if I Don’t Feel Hurt After the Accident?
Even if you are unsure if you sustained any injuries, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident. A car accident is a jarring and stressful event that may cause your body to release chemicals such as adrenaline. This can cause you to feel no pain at the time of the crash, only to start experiencing symptoms days or weeks after the accident.
Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but are very common after a car crash and can become serious if left untreated. It is extremely important to be examined by a healthcare professional even if you do not think you’ve been injured – that way, if you experience delayed symptoms, you will have the medical records to document that your injury and the symptoms you are experiencing are a result of the accident and not due to a separate event. Be sure to seek medical help right away, follow your doctor’s advice and all necessary treatments to ensure a full recovery.
Why Is It a Good Idea to Call a Car Accident Attorney?
Consulting with a personal injury attorney can be invaluable after a car accident. A skilled attorney can help you deal with the insurance company and ensure that your rights are protected. By contacting an attorney soon after the accident, they can assist you with the process of gathering evidence, investigating the crash site, and assigning liability to the at-fault party. In addition, your attorney can handle all the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, looking after your interests and making sure you receive the compensation you deserve. In some cases, you may need to take legal action against the at-fault party to recover damages. An attorney can assess the details of your case and help you make the right decision.
It is not unusual for some insurance companies to be more interested in protecting their profits than paying fair settlements to injured claimants. They may try to use a few well-known tactics, such as getting a claimant to give a recorded statement and try to get them to say something that may later be used as an admission of liability. By letting an attorney handle your case, you can have the peace of mind of knowing your case is in the hands of a professional who will not let the insurance company get away with using shady tactics to get you less than what you deserve.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else, call the skilled car accident attorneys at the Oberg Law Office at 972-672-9700. We have helped countless injured clients in Mesquite and surrounding areas, and we are here to help you, too. Contact us for a free consultation and case analysis to learn more.
