Every driver’s worst fear is that sudden, heart-stopping jolt of a car accident. One moment, you’re on your way home in Houston, singing along to your favourite song. The next minute, everything is different. It’s frightening, stressful, and something most people are not ready for.
Sadly, it is a harsh reality. Sad but true. Back in 2022, car accidents killed nearly 44,000 people in the U.S. That’s more than 120 lives lost each and every day. Every single number represents a family, forever changed.
This guide breaks down the steps to take after a collision. From repairing your vehicle and keeping yourself safe to working with lawyers and handling insurance claims, we’ve got everything covered! Let’s begin!
Table of contents
Put safety first and seek help
There is no denying that safety comes first. Right after the collision, call 911 immediately. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Unless there is a danger like a fire, do not move an injured person.
If you are able to move, get out of traffic. Engage your hazard lights to let others know that you need their caution. Use flares or warning triangles if you have them.
Even if it’s a small accident, it is wise to call the police. A report from an officer will show what happened, which can help with insurance claims later.
Document the scene and exchange information
Accurate documentation can protect you later. Use your phone to take clear photos of everything:
- Damage to your car and other vehicles involved
- The other driver’s license plate and insurance card
- Road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and weather
Write down the time, location, and details of what happened. In addition, you’ll need to exchange information with the other driver. Share names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Be polite, but watch what you say.
Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you think you’re to blame. Admitting fault can be used against you later in insurance claims or legal cases. Stay focused on what happened. If the other driver becomes aggressive, stay calm. Call the police if you feel threatened, as your safety matters most.
Get legal support from a car accident attorney
After an accident, victims often have a hard time with medical bills, expensive car repairs, and lost money from not working.
This can be very stressful, so it is important to have a skilled car accident attorney in Houston to help protect your rights and get fair payment. They understand how to collect important evidence, talk to insurance companies, and create a strong case just for you.
You can rely on them to work hard for every dollar you should get so you can concentrate on getting better while they take care of the legal details. If you still have questions, think about scheduling a free meeting to learn about your choices.
Don’t rush the vehicle repair
After an accident, your car becomes evidence of what happened. This leaves many people wondering when to repair it and what steps to take. If you’re unsure, here’s what you should know.
First, don’t rush to repair your vehicle if the insurance adjuster hasn’t inspected it. It’s because the damage serves as proof for your insurance claim. If you mend anything, it will directly impact the amount you can claim. You can begin to do the repairs only after the claim is approved by the adjuster.
You have the right to choose your own repair shop, not just the ones your insurer suggests. Get a written estimate before repairs begin, and keep all receipts for towing, parts, and labour. If the repair costs exceed the car’s value, it may be considered a total loss, and you’ll receive the market value for the vehicle instead.
Dealing with rental cars and temporary transportation
Last but not least, if your car is damaged and in the repair shop, you’ll need a way to get around. Many insurance policies cover the cost of a rental car, but it’s important to know the limits.
Ask your insurance provider about rental car reimbursement. Some policies have daily limits or a total cap on how much they’ll pay. Again, if your car is declared a total loss, your rental car coverage may end once the pay out is issued.
However, if rental coverage isn’t included in your policy, you may be able to add it for a small fee. It’s worth considering before an accident happens.
To sum it all up
A car collision can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do afterward can make a huge difference. Stay safe, write down everything, and take care of your legal needs. Reach out to an attorney if you need help with claims or settlements. Accidents could happen anytime, and if you do things the proper way, you will be driving again soon.
