Even when we take every precaution, car accidents are bound to happen. After all, Houston is the fourth largest city in America and is home to millions of people. More cars on our roads and highways mean more potential for accidents. Knowing what to do after a car accident can be of great help in the instance you do get involved in a crash.
While we sincerely hope that you and the people you love don’t find yourself in a serious accident, it’s a good idea to be prepared in case you are. Accidents tend to happen when you least expect them to. You need to prepare now, not later.
The attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek want to help keep Texas drivers safe. We have decades of experience in helping car accident victims obtain damages and financial recovery for their injuries. Get in touch with us today at 832-690-7000 if you or a loved one need assistance with a car accident lawsuit.
At the Scene of the Car Accident
Texas law requires that drivers involved in accidents stop and remain at the scene. It is a crime to flee the scene of an accident, even if you didn’t cause the accident.
Stay calm. We know it’s a stressful situation, but try to keep your composure so you can think clearly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Dial 911 and summon emergency help immediately if anyone is injured.
- Get insurance information from the other drivers involved. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
- Note the time of day, weather conditions, damage to vehicles, and any other information you think is relevant. It’s better to document too much than too little.
- Cooperate fully with the police, but do not admit fault or discuss the accident in detail. Obtain a copy of the police report.
- If possible, take photographs of the vehicles involved, especially any damage. Take photographs of your injuries if possible. Don’t worry about taking a perfect photo; the point is to secure evidence from the scene that may be useful in the future.
- Don’t leave the scene until told to do so by the police. Leaving the scene of an accident before the police arrive can be a crime.
Understandably, you may not be in a position to handle all of these matters right away, especially if you are seriously injured. An experienced auto accident attorney can assist you with these matters in such cases.
Once you’ve left the scene of the car accident, it’s important that you get started on the path to recovery right away. The longer you wait, the harder your accident may be to investigate.
What to Expect Physically After a Car Accident
Seeking medical attention is a vital part of any car accident claim. If your injuries are serious, you may be taken straight to the hospital from the scene in an ambulance to be treated. If not, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
Not all car accident injuries are apparent immediately. Certain injuries may take days to surface. For instance, traumatic brain injuries can often take days or even weeks to manifest, and might not show up on a scan or test. The symptoms might only appear as behavioral changes initially. Only a trained physician can accurately diagnose a brain injury.
You might view the car accident as minor and fail to realize that you need medical treatment. The victim may also experience a surge of adrenaline immediately after the accident, which can sometimes mask the pain or symptoms of an injury. There are many injuries that can have delayed symptoms but may lead to life-long medical conditions.
Delayed injury after a car accident include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Neck, back, or shoulder pain (especially after a rear-end accident)
- Abdominal pain
- Deep bruising
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Vision issues
- Jaw problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Mental health or behavioral changes
Therefore, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident to help identify potential long-term injuries. This will allow you to begin treatment sooner rather than later. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to another’s negligence, contact Pierce Skrabanek at 832-690-7000. We are on hand to help you get your life back on track after an accident.