Have you been in an accident in McAllen, TX are? Follow these key steps and contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
1. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries can’t be seen or felt right away, but they can still have serious long-term consequences. Even if you think you’re not hurt and the accident was minor, go to urgent care or the ER once you’ve sorted things out at the scene. It should go without saying that if you or anyone else has a serious injury, you should immediately call 911.
2. Ensure Safety and Call for Help
If possible, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic to prevent further collisions and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. It is important to call emergency services immediately, even if the accident seems minor. The police will arrive to document the scene and create an official accident report. Firefighters and paramedics may also be needed if there are injuries or potential hazards, such as a fire, downed power line, or a chemical spill.
3. Exchange Information
Only after ensuring that everyone is safe and that emergency services are on their way, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get (and give) names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Note the make, model, and color of the other vehicles involved. You’ll need all this for filing insurance claims and for any potential legal actions.
4. Document the Scene
If you’re able to, and it’s safe, take pictures and videos of the scene from multiple angles, capturing the position of the vehicles, any visible damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details. If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and request a brief statement of what they saw.
5. Seek Legal Advice
Consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can tell you what all the next steps are, investigate the accident on your behalf, stand between you and insurance companies trying to minimize their payouts, protect your rights, and fight to make sure you get fair compensation.
6. Keep Detailed Records
Keep a copy of all your medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, and any other expenses from the accident. Keep copies of all correspondence you have with insurance companies and medical providers as well as all legal documents.
7. Follow Medical Advice
Attend all follow-up appointments, complete your prescribed treatments, and follow any recommended therapy. Failing to follow medical advice can not only jeopardize your health but also be used against you by insurance companies or in court to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that you’re contributing to them by failing to do your part to heal.
Call us at the Almaraz Law Firm In Houston, Midland, Laredo, McAllen, and San Antonio, TX today so we can fight for you.
Connect with us
Almaraz Law Firm
212 W. Nolana Ave. McAllen, TX 78504,
8422 Fountain Circle, San Antonio, TX 78229
701B W. Indiana Ste. 20, Midland, Texas 79701
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm
*Midland, Texas available by appt only*
