Car accidents can be scary and intimidating experiences, regardless of how serious they are. Even the most minor of fender benders can leave everyone involved shook up and full of adrenaline. That being said, it is imperative to stay calm following a car accident of any kind. Many people make the mistake of overreacting or lashing out on the other driver, which is something that can be held against them in court. As soon as the immediate trauma and stress of a car accident passes, it is time to take a step back and consider what to do next. The actions you take right after a car accident may determine how quickly the incident is resolved, and what type of damages you receive (assuming you’re the victim).
With the number of distractions on the rise, it is no wonder we are seeing more car accidents take place than ever before. People are constantly talking on their cell phones, checking text messages and emails, and even taking selfies. This is dangerous behavior that is a growing problem right now in the United States. In order to stay safe on the roadways and ensure you act accordingly, following an accident, we thought it would be helpful to go over some of the top steps to take after an accident. If you have any questions about the information below or would like to learn more about your rights following a car accident in McKinney, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What To Do Immediately Following an Auto Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident in McKinney, we encourage you to do the following:
- Assess your physical condition and that of your passengers. Before you do anything else, it is important to make sure both you and your passengers are physically unharmed. If you have sustained any injuries or feel off in any way, it is imperative you seek medical attention immediately.
- Call the police. Regardless of who was at-fault for the accident, it is important the police are contacted immediately. Failing to contact the police after an accident is illegal and may result in serious repercussions. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, a police report may give you leverage and help your case in civil court.
- Gather information. Once the police have been called and everyone has been checked out medically, it is time to start talking to witnesses and collecting information. Even if it is clearly the other driver’s fault, it may be in your best interest to talk to witnesses and collect the following information:
- Name, address, and phone number of the other driver
- Insurance company name and policy number of all drivers involved
- Witness statements and contact information
- Pictures and other documentation of the accident
- Including any injuries, the surrounding area, the license plate number of the other driver, and any damage to your car or the site of the accident
- Call a lawyer. After you have done the following and it’s time to head home, call a McKinney personal injury attorney right away. The attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger will be able to advise you on how to proceed and what your rights are.