Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Helpful tips from a Laredo car accident lawyer

It's normal to feel upset, confused or even angry after being involved in a car accident in Laredo. John R. Solis, Attorney at Law is here to help. We have come up with a list of suggested steps to take after your accident, both at the scene of the accident itself and in the days, weeks and months after the crash.

Please remember to call John R. Solis, Attorney at Law if you've been in an accident because of somebody else's negligence. A delay may affect your right to recover compensation. Call 866-465-9093 for a free case consultation with an attorney who puts people first. Proudly serving English and Spanish speaking clients in Laredo and across Texas.

Immediately after an accident at the crash site:

Call 911 and clearly describe the exact location of the crash and any injuries you or others may have. Let dispatchers know if a driver fled the scene or seems impaired.
Accept medical help from paramedics, even if you feel fine. After an accident, your body may be running on adrenaline or in shock, which can mask pain and symptoms of serious injuries. Having a medical professional examine you right away helps make sure your healthy. It also creates a clear record that connects any injuries to your accident.
Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number and insurance details.
If the other driver appears intoxicated or aggressive, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked until police arrive.
Don’t talk about the accident with the other driver. Anything you say could later be used to reduce or deny your accident claim.
Use your phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals and license plates. The more details, the better.
Make a voice memo or jot down what you remember about how the crash happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
If someone saw your accident, get the witnesses’ names and contact information. Ask them to stay until police arrive if possible. If not, make sure you can get in touch with them later. Statements from eyewitnesses can be strong legal evidence.
Record weather conditions, lighting, traffic flow and anything else that could help show how the accident occurred.
Note if any nearby homes or businesses may have cameras pointed toward the road. If so, make a note of that since security camera videos or traffic camera footage can greatly strengthen your case.

Several hours after the accident:

If you didn’t receive medical care at the accident, go to a doctor or urgent care center as soon as you can, even for minor symptoms. Without proof of your injuries, your accident claim might be denied.
Call your insurance company to report the crash, but only provide basic facts. Do not admit fault.
If you receive a phone call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, don’t talk to them or give a recorded statement. Anything you say could be used to deny your injury claim.
Contact the police department or law enforcement agency that responded to your crash and ask for a copy of your official accident report, known as a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (Form CR-3).
Write down how you feel physically and emotionally after the crash. Keeping a journal can help support your claim.
Save receipts for out-of-pocket costs like medications, rideshares or bandages.
Do not post anything about the crash on social media. Insurance companies may use your posts to weaken your case.
Contact John R. Solis, Attorney at Law. Our team can begin preserving evidence, communicating with the insurance companies and building your case.

Several days after the accident:

Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Missing visits could hurt your recovery and your legal case.
Gather all paperwork related to your accident – medical records, prescriptions, car repair estimates, and time missed from work.
Ask your employer for documentation if your injuries are keeping you from working.
Keep a pain journal to record symptoms, sleep disruptions, emotional distress and activity limitations.
Follow up on obtaining the official police report and reviewing it with your attorney to correct any errors.
Check whether nearby homes or businesses have surveillance footage and notify your lawyer immediately.
Make a list of witnesses who may have more information and give their names to your legal team.
Stay off social media or set your profiles to private. Even innocent posts could be used against you.

What not to do after a car accident:

Do not leave the scene, even if you think the crash was minor. Leaving before police arrive could lead to criminal charges.
Don’t admit fault, even if you feel bad or think you may have caused the crash. Stick to the facts when speaking with police or other drivers.
Do not refuse medical care. Waiting too long to get checked out can hurt both your recovery and your legal claim.
Don’t forget to report the crash to law enforcement and your insurance company. Failing to do so may delay or block your ability to file a claim.
Never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without talking to a lawyer first. They may try to use your words against you.
Don’t post about the accident online. Social media posts, even innocent ones, can be twisted to weaken your case.
Do not throw away receipts, photos or paperwork. These small details can make a big difference in your settlement or lawsuit.
Avoid settling too soon. Insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer before you know the full cost of your injuries.

Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, mistakes made after a crash can give their insurance company a chance to shift the blame. If you were hurt in an accident in Laredo, John R. Solis, Attorney at Law can help protect your rights from the start. Let our team handle the insurance companies while you focus on getting better.

A Laredo Car accident attorney you can count on

Even if you are sure the accident was caused by the other driver, you need to take all necessary steps to prevent that person's insurance company from taking advantage of you. If you were in an accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver, we're ready to help. We'll interview witnesses. We can gather evidence and scour the police report. We have access to medical experts and accident reconstruction teams. Whatever it takes to help get life back on track.

Contact us today to learn more about your legal options. Talk to a Laredo car accident lawyer you can trust to do things right – John R. Solis, Attorney At Law.