A car accident can throw you off balance for a moment. It is not uncommon to be confused, scared and overwhelmed processing your injuries and damage to property. If you are involved in a car crash that was not your fault, you need to pursue the liable party for damages.
However, to get the liable party to pay for their action, you need to do the right thing. Failure to do so can hurt your personal injury case or cost you a fair settlement.
Here are three steps you need to take immediately following a car crash:
Call the police
Sometimes, the other party might attempt to persuade you to settle the matter between yourselves without involving the police. However, this can be a costly mistake in a number of ways.
Firstly, the Texas car accident statute requires that you call the police to the scene if the accident results in an injury, death or property damage in excess of $1,000. Secondly, calling the police to the scene ensures they investigate the accident and file a report on whom they believe to have been responsible for the crash. And this report can be crucial when litigating your case.
See a doctor
A car accident can leave you with a variety of injuries. As such, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible so your injuries can be promptly diagnosed and treated. Seeking immediate treatment also ensures that you obtain a medical report that will be crucial for pursuing compensation for your damages.
File you claim
Most car accident claims are usually settled out of court. However, if you can’t reach a settlement with the responsible party, then you need to file a civil claim within the Texas statute of limitations period.
Knowing the steps to take and the mistakes to avoid after a car accident is key to litigating your personal injury claim and receiving the compensation you deserve for your damages.