When you are involved in an accident, the other driver may try to talk you out of calling the police. They may claim the damage or injuries aren’t severe, and it would be a waste of time to wait for the police to arrive. However, this is far from the truth, and you should not let them sway you. Unfortunately, many underestimate the benefit of contacting emergency services to file a police report before reaching out to a Houston car accident lawyer. The following blog covers how to respond if you are involved in a collision and why calling the police is critical.
What Should I Do After an Accident Happens?
If you are involved in an accident, you’re likely going to experience an adrenaline rush that causes you to panic. However, doing your best to remain calm is essential to ensuring you take the necessary steps to protect yourself. The first thing you should do is assess the damage and injuries. If anyone is hurt, regardless of how severe it seems, you’ll want to contact the police to request emergency medical attention. Be sure to stay as calm as possible when speaking to the 911 operators, and give them the location of the accident, how many people are involved, and the extent of the injuries inflicted.
It is essential to note that you should not assume responsibility or say anything that can be twisted as you claiming liability for the accident. Even apologizing to the other driver can be used against you.
Next, you’ll want to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. If your injuries prevent you from doing so, you can ask the passenger in your vehicle to do so for you. This helps ensure you have evidence to support your claims if you wish to file a lawsuit. You should capture the area where the cars collided, the damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries sustained, and any other factors like road conditions or hazards.
Why Is Filing a Police Report So Crucial?
Filing a police report after an accident is critical to ensuring you have evidence to help support your claims of negligence. When law enforcement arrives on the scene, they will conduct a preliminary investigation into the accident. This includes speaking to those involved, collecting witness statements, and examining the collision. They may come to a conclusion about fault based on the information received on the scene.
It’s also important to understand that in Texas, you must call the police after an accident where someone is injured or killed, or there is damage to a vehicle worth $1,000 or more. However, it’s still in your best interest to call the police, as you may have sustained injuries that do not immediately present themselves. As such, the defense can claim you do not deserve compensation for your injuries, as you did not find them severe enough to warrant contacting the police.
When you’re injured, the team at the Gonzalez Law Group can help. We understand how devastating it can be to navigate the complexities of a personal injury lawsuit while trying to heal from the damages you’ve sustained. That’s why we’re proud to represent you in these difficult times. Connect with our team today to learn more.
