What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident to Protect Your Rights
Car accidents can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, your actions in the minutes, hours, and days following the crash can make a big difference. Not only do you need to prioritize your health and safety, but you also have to think about your legal rights, especially if someone else is at fault.
In Texas, the aftermath of a car accident can get tricky fast. Insurance companies might pressure you for statements or push for quick settlements. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses may become hard to reach. Thankfully, The Ardoin Law Firm P.C. in Houston, Texas, can help you understand what to do right away to protect your rights.
Prioritize Safety and Call for Help
Your first concern after any accident should be the safety of everyone involved. Even if the crash seems minor, there may be hidden injuries or dangers that aren't obvious at first glance. Taking the right steps at the scene will set the tone for everything that follows. Here are some immediate steps you can take to stay safe while you alert emergency services:
Check yourself and passengers for injuries: Before doing anything else, make sure you're not hurt. Then check on your passengers.
Move to a safe location if possible: If the vehicles are drivable and it's safe to do so, move them to the side of the road to avoid further collisions.
Turn on hazard lights: This alerts other drivers that something's wrong and helps avoid secondary accidents.
Call 911: Whether injuries are obvious or not, you should always report the crash. Police can create an accident report, which will be critical for any legal claims.
Stay at the scene: Leaving could hurt your case and possibly get you into legal trouble, especially if injuries or property damage occurred.
Once help is on the way and you're in a safe place, you can start thinking about the next steps.
Gather Information and Document the Scene
After making sure everyone is safe and first responders are on their way, it’s time to collect as much information as you can. This will be helpful later when you're dealing with insurance or speaking with an attorney. In many cases, the strength of your case depends on what you can document at the scene. Here’s what documentation you should collect:
Exchange contact and insurance information: Get the other driver’s full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance policy details.
Take photos and videos: Document damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else relevant.
Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw what happened, ask for their contact details and a brief summary of what they observed.
Record the location and time: Make a note of the exact time and address of the accident. Take pictures of any nearby landmarks or road signs.
Request the police report number: If officers come to the scene, ask how you can get a copy of their report.
This documentation can be vital if there’s ever a disagreement about what happened or who’s at fault.
Be Mindful of What You Say
It’s human nature to want to explain or apologize, especially after a car accident. But what you say at the scene can be used against you later, even if you're just being polite. It's best to stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that sound like you're admitting fault. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do:
Don’t admit fault: Even saying "I’m sorry" can be interpreted as an admission. Let the police and insurance companies determine who’s at fault.
Keep conversations brief: Talk only about what’s necessary to gather information and help emergency responders do their job.
Be honest but cautious: Give accurate information to police, but don’t speculate or guess if you’re unsure about something.
Avoid discussing injuries too soon: Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Don’t say “I’m fine” if you haven’t been checked by a medical professional.
Being careful with your words can protect you from legal or financial fallout down the road.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel fine, you should still get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Car accidents can cause injuries that aren’t immediately visible, like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage. Delaying treatment can not only hurt your health but also make it harder to tie your injuries to the accident. Here’s why prompt medical care is important:
Some injuries have delayed symptoms: Adrenaline can mask pain. You might not feel anything until later.
You’ll need medical records for your claim: Medical documentation creates a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
Insurance companies may question delays: If you wait too long to see a doctor, they might argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
It helps with your recovery: The sooner you're diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment.
Once you've seen a doctor after a car accident, follow their instructions and keep records of every visit, prescription, and recommendation.
Report the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company
After the dust settles, you’ll need to let your insurance provider know about the accident. Texas law doesn’t require you to report every crash to your insurer, but most policies do. Delaying the call could create problems, especially if you later decide to file a claim. Here’s how to report the car accident effectively:
Stick to the facts: Just like at the scene, don't offer opinions or guesses—just describe what happened.
Avoid recorded statements if possible: These can be used against you later. It’s fine to politely decline and say you’d like to speak with an attorney first.
Ask questions: Find out what your policy covers, whether your car can be repaired locally, and what documentation they’ll need from you.
Save all communications: Keep records of every phone call, email, or letter from your insurer or anyone else related to the accident.
This is just one more step toward protecting yourself legally and financially.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney
Even a minor accident can turn into a big legal headache if you're not careful. Texas law gives you the right to seek compensation if another driver’s negligence caused the crash, but it also gives insurance companies the tools to try and pay you as little as possible. That’s where an experienced personal injury attorney comes in. Here’s how a lawyer can help protect your rights:
Handle communication with insurance companies: This keeps you from saying something that might be used against you.
Investigate the crash: A lawyer can gather extra evidence, contact witnesses, and build a strong case.
Determine the true value of your claim: You might be entitled to more than you realize, including lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your attorney can take the case to court on your behalf.
Help you meet Texas deadlines: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
Reaching out to a qualified Texas auto accident attorney early in the process can make all the difference.
Keep Track of Everything
After a car accident, paperwork piles up fast. Between repair estimates, medical bills, and letters from your insurance company, it’s easy to lose track of what matters. Staying organized will make it much easier to file a claim or pursue legal action later. Some items you should keep in your accident file include:
Medical records and bills: Include ER visits, follow-up appointments, test results, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
Photos and videos from the scene: These can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about what happened.
Police reports and witness statements: These add credibility to your version of events.
Insurance correspondence: Save every letter, email, or form you receive or send.
A written journal: Document your pain levels, emotional distress, missed work, and how the accident has affected your daily life.
These records paint a complete picture of your situation and can back up your claim if you go to court.
Contact Us Today
What you do after a car accident matters. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, speaking with our attorney in Houston, Texas, can help you avoid common mistakes and fight for compensation. Give us a call today at The Ardoin Law Firm P.C. to get started with a free case evaluation.