What You Should Do After an Auto Accident

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Many Texans are involved in automobile collisions every year. Although most people are aware of the obvious steps to take immediately following an accident (assist the injured, call the police, etc.) we have found they may be too upset to think of many of the less obvious steps which also should be taken.

 If you are involved in an automobile collision you should:

• Stop immediately, but do not block traffic. Failure to stop after a collision can result in criminal penalties. Turn off your ignition to guard against fire. Stay at the scene of the accident.
   

• Warn oncoming automobiles of any traffic hazards. At night, leave your lights on or set out traffic flares if possible. You may be liable for damages to approaching drivers unless they are properly warned.
   

• Assist anyone who may be injured. Stop any bleeding. Provide other first aid if you can. Call for an ambulance if necessary. Do not move a seriously injured person unless absolutely necessary because movement can increase injuries.
   

• Telephone the police and cooperate fully with the investigating officers. If you are involved in a hit-and-run collision, it is especially important that you notify the police immediately. Write down the names and badge numbers of all investigating officers. Be sure to notice whether the officer is a city police officer (and which city) or a Department of Public Safety officer.
   

• If you believe the driver of the other vehicle may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, tell this to the investigating police officer.
   

• Make written notes of the full names, addresses, home phone numbers, work phone numbers and license plate numbers of all parties involved, including any witnesses to the collision. Also note the date and time of the collision, and the make and model of all vehicles involved. Do not trust your memory. In such a stressful situation, you may not remember important facts. You should always carry a pen and paper in your car.
   

• Measure skid marks and step off distances such as from the curb to the point of impact. If your vehicle is not blocking traffic or creating the potential for another accident, do not move it or any accident debris until you are instructed to do so by the investigating police officer.
   

• Make a rough drawing of the scene of the collision, showing the position of all vehicles and any other details you think may be important.
   

• Exchange automobile insurance information with the other parties. The drivers involved must show their driver's licenses to each other. Copy all information from the other driver's license.
   

• Make notes of any statements made by the driver or occupants of the other vehicles as to how the collision occurred.
   

• Before you allow a tow truck driver to pick up your car, be sure to ask the driver how much it will cost and tell the driver where to take your car. Get the name, address and telephone number of the driver and the towing company.
   

• Phone your lawyer as soon as possible and follow your lawyer's advice. In Texas, a lawsuit for damages arising from an automobile collision must be filed within two years from the date of the collision. However, the sooner your lawyer becomes involved in the matter, the better he or she can advise you and protect your rights.
   

• Do not give statements to anyone other than the police officers without first consulting with your lawyer.
   

• Report the collision to your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible.
   

• Take photographs of any damage to your car and of any injuries to yourself.
   

• See your doctor if there is any chance you may be injured. Serious injuries do not always cause immediate pain.
   

• Report the collision to the Texas Department of Public Safety. You must do so if there is an injury, death or property damage in excess of $250.00. You may obtain a report form from any police or sheriff's office or from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
   

• Even if you think you may have been at fault in the collision you should not make any statements admitting fault. You may discover later that the other driver was equally at fault, or more so. Statements you make while emotionally upset may be misunderstood or misquoted later by other parties or bystanders. Spectators at the scene of a collision may be curious. It is best to say nothing at all regarding the cause of the collision.

Keep calm, don't argue, don't accuse anyone and don't admit fault.

Because of the need for advice under these stressful circumstances, our law firm has prepared a wallet-sized card that contains an abbreviated version of the above instructions for those involved in automobile collisions. As a public service we will make these cards available free of charge to anyone who telephones or writes our office requesting the cards. Please contact the law firm of Kraft & Associates at 2777 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 1300, Dallas, Texas 75207. Our telephone number is (214) 999-9999.