2024 What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas That is Not Your Fault? Checklist

Every year, car accidents are a leading cause of property damage, bodily injuries, and accidental deaths. These incidents can happen for many reasons, and navigating the initial aftermath of any car accident can be incredibly difficult. Knowing what to do in this situation and securing legal counsel you can trust as soon as possible is the optimal way to maximize your recovery.

Stevenson & Murray has a seasoned team of attorneys ready to provide the legal counsel you need in this situation. If you were injured by another driver and need a Houston car accident lawyer to help you recover, our firm is ready to leverage our extensive professional experience on your behalf. Our goal is to help our clients recover as fully as possible, and this starts with the first steps they take immediately following an accident.

Important First Steps After a Car Accident

Texas follows the fault rule for resolving car accidents. This means that the driver who caused an accident is liable for the resulting damages, and an injured driver must prove fault before they can secure compensation for their losses. Immediately after a car accident occurs, your primary concern should be your personal health and safety. If you were severely injured, wait for first responders to arrive and provide medical attention. Do not move around and risk making your injuries worse.

If you believe you only suffered minor injuries and can move around safely, taking photos of the accident scene can be incredibly helpful to your recovery efforts. Photos of your injuries immediately after they occurred, the damage to your vehicle, and the positions of the vehicles on the road can all help prove exactly how the accident happened and identify the driver at fault. Drivers are required to report accidents to 911, and you will need a copy of the police report for your recovery efforts.

When the police arrive, they will interview those involved and perform a preliminary investigation before clearing the accident site. Be careful with the words you use when responding to their inquiries. Do not admit fault even if you think you may be partially responsible for causing the accident. Answer their questions honestly and concisely until they allow you to leave. Seek medical care for your injuries, and once you have a copy of the police report for the accident and a medical report from your doctor, your next step in your recovery process should be to contact an experienced attorney you can trust.

Your Houston car accident attorney can help file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver, and they can help with a personal injury claim when insurance alone cannot repay your losses. Remembering these crucial first steps will make a dramatic difference in the final outcome of your case, and the right attorney can help secure the maximum amount of compensation possible for your damages.

FAQs About What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston, TX

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident That Did Not Result in Injuries?

Texas law requires all drivers to report any accident that causes bodily injury, death, or property damage estimated to be more than $1,000. If there is any room for doubt, do not take any chances and risk facing penalties for failure to report your accident. Call 911 to report the incident, as this will fulfill your obligation and ensure there is a police report on file. You are also required to report any accident to your insurance carrier, even if you did not cause it.

Will My Insurance Costs Increase if I’m Not at Fault?

Auto insurance carriers price their customers’ premium rates based on perceived risk, so a driver deemed to be at a greater risk of causing an accident typically faces higher premium costs than a safe driver. If you caused a recent accident or share fault with another driver for an accident, it is possible for your insurance premium to increase under the terms of your policy. Your insurance premium should not increase if you were not at fault for the accident at all.

How Much Can I Claim in Compensation for a Car Accident?

You have the right to hold an at-fault driver accountable for any and all economic losses you suffered in your accident, including property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. You can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced. A good attorney can help you recover as fully as possible through an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, and they can assist you with filing a personal injury claim if you have outstanding damages that insurance can’t cover.

When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

If you suffered severe injuries or believe that you will not be able to fully recover from your recent car accident through insurance alone, you should prepare to file a civil suit against the at-fault driver. You will have a much better chance of success with this claim when you have an attorney’s assistance, and it is ideal to start the claim filing process as soon as possible. Once you have received medical attention for your injuries, you should reach out to an attorney before filing an insurance claim or discussing a settlement for your accident.

How Much Will Hiring Legal Counsel for a Car Accident Case Cost?

The attorneys at Stevenson & Murray can represent your personal injury claim on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not face exorbitant legal fees at the outset of your case proceedings or pay ongoing fees as your case unfolds. Instead of upfront and ongoing fees, our firm takes a percentage of your final case award as our fee, but we only take this fee after we win your case. If we are unsuccessful in securing compensation on your behalf for any reason, you pay nothing, so there is no risk in choosing our firm as your legal representative.

Any car accident has the potential to cause life-changing harm to a victim and serious economic problems for their family. If you find yourself in this situation and need legal counsel you can trust, our firm is ready to assist you with your recovery efforts. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with a Texas personal injury attorney you can trust to guide you through your recovery efforts.