Content provided by legal writers

A car accident is usually the last thing the average Houston resident expects when they get behind the wheel of their car and click their seatbelt into place. But maybe residents should be more careful. The average person’s likelihood of being involved in a car accident is pretty high at some point in their lifetime. According to Esurance, around 77 percent of all drivers have had at least one auto accident. Further statistics also suggest that a person who receives their license at 16 years of age will likely have been involved in their first accident by the time they’re 34. That same person will also probably have at least two more accidents at some point in their lifetime.

That means it pays to be prepared. Yes, part of that means making sure your Houston vehicle is fully insured, as well as religiously wearing your seatbelt (and encouraging passengers to do the same). But it’s just as important to know what you’d do if the worst ever does happen. So here are some essential things to keep in mind.

If anyone’s hurt, call 911
Nothing is more important than your life and the lives of other people who might have been involved in the accident. So be sure to pull over to the shoulder of the road or anywhere else nearby that seems safe and check yourself and anyone else who may have been riding with you.

If anyone’s injured, or you suspect other people outside of your vehicle may have been, call 911. Calmly explain what happened, and be prepared to give the dispatch agent detailed information as to your location. You may also receive instructions on what to do next. Follow them to the letter.

Report the incident to the police
In the state of Texas, you are required by law to follow specific protocol if involved in a car accident that may have potentially resulted in injury or death. First, you must stop your car at the scene, figure out whether anyone involved needs help, and notify the police of the incident. 

You must also remain at the scene until the police arrive to create an accident report. Again, be cooperative and supply any information required of you. You will later request your copy of the report, and you should do that for your records.

Exchange information with the other driver(s)
While you’re waiting for authorities to arrive on the scene, you’ll want to communicate with any other drivers who were involved. Be sure to record their names, insurance information, vehicle’s make, driver’s license number, and so forth.

It’s also wise to self-document the accident to the greatest extent you can. Use your phone to take pictures and record as many details as you can remember. If there were witnesses, consider asking them for their names and contact information, as well.

Seek medical attention, even if you’re not sure you’re hurt
If you sustain a severe injury in any car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention ahead of any steps listed above. But, again, nothing is more important than your life or the life of another person who may have been involved in the crash. 

However, you should consider seeking medical attention as soon as you can, even if you’re pretty sure you’re OK. Many injuries associated with car accidents can take a while to manifest, and by then, you could have inadvertently made things worse or hurt any insurance claims you may need to make. So play it safe, see your doctor for a clean bill of health, and document all of your visits.

Contact your insurance company and seek legal aid
Last but not least, you should always notify your insurance company any time you’re involved in an accident as soon as you can. This is the case whether or not you were at fault. You may also want to seek legal aid from a proven car accident attorney. Be sure to search for the best car accident attorney near you and read the reviews of each.

Suppose your accident happened in the greater Houston area of Texas (it very well could have, in 2018, Houston drivers were considered the nation’s deadliest with 11 fatal wrecks a week on average), Stewart J. Guss Injury Accident Lawyers. The firm has been in business since 1999 and has helped thousands of individuals recover from even the most catastrophic and expensive accidents.

As with a doctor’s visit, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and hiring an attorney ensures that you’ll have an expert on your side if you need one. 

This content is provided by an independent source for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Consult an attorney or financial advisor when making decisions. This information is provided by legal writers and does not reflect the views or opinions of The Daily Sundial editorial staff.