What to do After a Car Accident in Texas

Being involved in a car accident in Texas can be life-changing.  Not only might there be physical injuries associated with a car accident, but emotional ones as well.  When you are in a car accident, there are steps that should be taken as it may affect a future lawsuit.  You may not know what to do, so you may be asking, what to do after a car accident in Texas?  Here are important steps to take after a car accident.

• Pull over to a safe place – The most important action to take after you are in a car accident in Texas is to pull over to a safe place.  Drivers on the street or highway may be passing you at a high rate of speed, so it is crucial that you get to a safe place, such as on the side of the road or a street with less traffic.  Note that it is against Texas state law to leave the scene of an accident.
• Call 911 if anyone is injured – If anyone is injured at the scene, call 911 immediately so that they can be attended to.  Try to stay as calm as possible when speaking to the 911 operator so they will be able to get someone to the scene right away.  Take note of the street name and any other landmarks that will help the first responders get to the scene quicker.
• Call the Police – In Texas, if you are in a car accident that involves death, injury, or damage to a vehicle, you are required to report the collision to the police.  If you drive off after a car accident, you may be charged with failure to stop, which is a serious criminal charge.  Also, the police will be able to supply a police report about the car accident, which may be helpful for your claim.
• Get Information – You should start gathering information about the other driver as well as the scene of the accident.  From the other driver, you should obtain their name, insurance policy information, and information on their car, such as registration number, make and model.  Also, get their driver’s license number.  In addition, you should take pictures of the accident scene, speak to witnesses, and obtain their contact information.
• Contact your insurance company – Even if you believe that you were not at fault, you should contact your insurance company and report the car accident.  Be honest with them about the accident and don’t attempt to mislead the insurance company as it could come back to haunt you during negotiations related to a lawsuit.  Once you hire an experienced car accident attorney, let them handle the communications with the insurance company.

Understandably, you may not be able to perform all of these steps if you are severely injured in a car accident.  The most important thing is your physical and mental condition.  Don’t worry about talking to the other driver or witnesses if you need to go to the hospital, as that information can be gathered afterwards. After you recover from your injuries, you might be wondering what to do after a car accident in Texas. After you recover, call an experienced car accident attorney who will fight for your rights.

What should you watch out for after a car accident?

Car accidents can result in numerous physical and emotional injuries, ranging from the benign, such as bruises, to the very serious, like traumatic brain injuries.   Some of the most common injuries that can be sustained in a car accident are:

• Bruises – Most of the time, bruises as a result of a car accident will heal within a few days.  That said, some bruises can be a sign of something worse, such as internal bleeding, or they may become a contusion.  While they do heal without complications most of the time, you should always make sure that they do not turn into something else that may cause deeper damage.
• Back Injuries – Back injuries are common for those in a car accident.  There are many types of back injuries, such as a strain (a result of damage to the tendons and muscles), a ruptured disc (vertebrae that is broken), and a pinched nerve (pressure on a nerve).  Some back pain can become a life-long disability, so it is important that you get your back checked out by a medical professional.
• Knee Injuries – Your knees are at a high risk of being injured when you are in a car accident, because of where they are situated when you are driving.  A knee can slam against the dashboard or the steering wheel.  Also, airbags and seatbelts do not always protect your knees when you are in an accident.
• Broken bones and fractures – Broken bones, such as in legs, arms, and hands, are very common for car accident victims.  In addition, broken ribs and injuries to the chest area are common because of seat belts.  Types of bone fractures include displaced fractures, closed fractures, and stress fractures.
• Whiplash – Whiplash is another common injury as a result of a car accident.  Whiplash can occur even in accidents at speeds as low as 15 mph, and it occurs most frequently in rear-end car accidents.  Even though whiplash injuries usually heal within a few weeks, they can be very painful and debilitating.  Some signs of whiplash include headaches, neck stiffness or pain, and dizziness.
• Concussions – Concussions occur when there is a sudden movement of the head and then it comes to a quick stop, as when hitting the windshield.  Concussions can be life threatening, and they are sometimes not easy to diagnose.  While you may not require a brain scan as a result of a concussion, accident victims should be on the lookout for changes in sensation, personality, or cognitive function, as these may be signs of serious head injury.
• Psychological and emotional injuries – Car accidents do not only cause physical injuries – they can lead to psychological damage as well.  Many accident victims can have post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from reliving the accident.  In addition, car accidents can lead to anxiety and depressive episodes which can have long lasting effects.  Psychological injuries may take a few weeks to become prevalent as you may be in shock after the accident.  If you are suffering from mental or emotional issues after a car accident, it is important to see a mental health professional right away.
• Death – Sometimes, a car accident can be so serious as to result in the death of one or more of the drivers or passengers. This can be devastating to the family members and they might need treatment to deal with the death of a loved one.  In Texas, eligible family members who can file a wrongful death lawsuit include spouses, children, parents, and adoptive parents and adopted children.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Texas?

You may be wondering what to do after a car accident in Texas. Under Texas law, you generally have two years after the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.  If your insurance company denies your claim for benefits, you have up to four years from the denial of the claim to bring a lawsuit against them.  (*Always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims(s).)

Filing a personal injury lawsuit as a result of a car accident after the statute of limitations will result in the court’s dismissing the case.  If that happens, ways to receive compensation for your injuries are slim.  Note that the defendant in the case will file a motion to dismiss the case if you are not able to prove that the statute of limitations was extended.

Car accident victims need to legally act as quickly as possible if they would like to receive compensation from the other driver.

Contact Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers Today

Car accidents can be life-changing and the laws that govern them can be tricky.  That is why you need competent lawyers to help you with your case.   The lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law will work diligently on your lawsuit, making sure that motions and other documents are timely filed, negotiate with insurance companies and their lawyers on your behalf, and investigate your case thoroughly.

The lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have been fighting for the rights of our clients for over 35 years.  We know how to quickly move a case along either in court or in negotiations with the attorneys on the other side.  We will be there for you every step of the way.

We only get paid if you win the lawsuit at trial or obtain a settlement.  Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free at 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free consultation.