Car accident in Wichita Falls

What to Do After a Car Accident in Wichita Falls

Getting into a car accident is never in our plans, and when it happens, it often turns our life on its head with constant pain from injuries, forced time off work, dealing with stubborn insurance companies, and mounting medical bills. At our Wichita Falls car accident law firm, we know the obstacles victims of car accidents face, and we understand they are overwhelmed with questions about what to do after their car wreck. Not only do they need guidance on figuring out exactly what to do, but then they need guidance on actually accomplishing those things. Whether the accident happened in Texas or Oklahoma, many victims struggle with the same questions:

The steps you take immediately after your accident can have a rippling effect impacting every aspect of your recovery, including the answers to the above listed questions. To assist you in getting the best possible outcome for your car wreck claim, we have complied a list of the 7 most critical things to do after a car accident in Wichita Falls.

If you still have questions or more concerns, or you want to discuss your particular case, our Wichita Falls car accident firm is ready to help. We will give you a free evaluation and offer you guidance on how to proceed even if you don’t need our services. Call us today at 940-569-4000 or fill out our contact form for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.

7 Most Critical Things to Do a After a Wichita Falls Car Accident

With the assumption that you are not critically injured and hospitalized, there are a number of steps you should take after a Wichita Falls car accident to ensure your legal rights are protected. While some of these steps may seem obvious, it can be difficult to remember what needs to be done in stressful and chaotic situations like car accidents.

Victims are often overwhelmed with a variety of emotions and adrenaline after being in an accident. Because of this, it’s important to take some time to calm yourself down and then follow these important steps to ensure you are protected and you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.

1. Get to a Safe Place and Call 911

The number one thing to do immediately following a car accident in Wichita Falls is to get to safety. Next, if you or anyone involved in the accident was seriously injured, call 911 and request an ambulance. Even if no one was injured, you should call 911 and request the police to come to the accident scene and make a report. This documented report from the police will be essential in proving who was at fault for the accident when dealing with the insurance company.

2. Assist Police with Accident Report

Share with the police officer your account of how the accident occurred. If you have suspicions that the other driver is drunk or impaired, tell the police why you have that suspicion. Ask the police officer if anyone will be issued a citation for causing the accident. And finally, get the accident report number from the police officer. You will need to obtain a copy of this report as soon as it is available. Remember, although your emotions are running high, always be respectful and polite to the police.

3. Collect Contact and Insurance Information from All Drivers Involved

Collect all information from all drivers and passengers involved. Whether that is by taking pictures of documents, or writing the information down, it’s important that you preserve this evidence. You should also collect the insurance information of all drivers. You might later receive a call from the insurance company for the at-fault driver asking you different questions and asking you to give a recorded statement. You should be very careful when dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company and adjusters. Anything you say could be used against you to deny or minimize your claim.

4. Collect Contact Information and Statements from Witnesses

Collect all contact information and statements from any witnesses that saw the accident happen. This is important in case there are any disputes about who caused the accident.

5. Take Photographs and Videos of the Accident Scene and Injuries

Take photos and videos of the accident, traffic signs, road conditions, weather conditions, or anything else that may be relevant to how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Also take photos and videos of the vehicles and your injuries. With modern technology and cell phones, it’s easier than ever to adequately accomplish this step.

Photos often tell the better story, especially as time passes and peoples’ memories about the accident fade, so be sure your photos are clear. You can’t take too many photos, but you can take too few, so be sure to take as many photos as you can from all different angles. Ensure that your photos accurately reflect the circumstances of the accident.

6. Never Apologize or Admit Fault

Because your emotions will be running on high, and you may be feeling sorry for someone who was injured, you may be tempted to tell them you’re sorry. It’s important that you avoid this as it could be misconstrued as you admitting fault. Never apologize and never admit fault for the accident. Rather, you should be honest to the police and allow their investigation to determine liability.

7. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Often times after an accident, because of the adrenaline, you do not realize the extent of your injuries. At first, your injuries may not seem so bad, but as time goes on, they could become worse. Because of this, it’s important that you seek proper medical care as soon as possible following your accident.

Contact Our Wichita Falls Car Accident Lawyer

Unless you have extremely severe injuries that do not allow you to accomplish these tasks, these are the steps you should take after being in a Wichita Falls car accident. After completing these steps, you should focus on getting the right medical care for all your injuries, focus on getting better, and consider contacting a car accident lawyer for a free consultation. Our Wichita Falls car accident lawyer can offer assistance and guidance on how to protect your rights to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

To get started, at least download a copy of our free book, The Traveler’s Guide to the Universe of Personal Injury. We will always be happy to speak with you about your case and help you in any way we can. Please feel free to contact us today at 940-569-4000 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us to set up a free, confidential, no obligation consultation.