5 Essential Steps to Take after a Car Accident—Advice from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Van Zandt

Americans spend about 17,600 minutes driving each year on average. With so much time on the road, it’s easy to become complacent—especially if you follow all traffic laws and behave responsibly. Unfortunately, all it takes is one drunk, distracted, or negligent motorist to cause a serious accident.

Forbes reports that the average driver will file an accident claim every 18 years. As such, it is important that you know what to do after a collision to give your claim the best chance of success.

Your statements and actions at the crash scene will have a profound impact on your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages. One small mistake, such as forgetting to call the police or failing to seek medical attention, could significantly reduce the amount of compensation that you recover or prevent you from recovering any compensation at all.

N. Eric Cooper is an accident attorney in Van Zandt who can help you avoid these mistakes and fight for the maximum payout. Mr. Cooper will investigate your crash, gather evidence, and help you navigate the claims process. Call 903-297-0037 today to arrange a free initial consultation at the Cooper Law Firm.

Let’s examine five essential steps to take after a collision:

1. Contact the Police

The police will create an accident report that contains important details about your crash such as the location, time, and date, and whether there were injuries or property damage. Your attorney may use this report to prove negligence and liability.

2. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene

Photos can tell the story of how your crash occurred. Take pictures that show injuries, property damage, the positions of vehicles, traffic signs, and skid marks.

Your lawyer may use these photos to prove negligence and liability. If your case goes to trial and your attorney uses the testimony of an accident reconstruction expert, he or she can use those photos to understand the chronology of events.

3. Write down the Contact and Insurance Information of All Drivers Involved

You will need the insurance and contact details of other drivers to file your claim.

4. Speak with Eyewitnesses

Witnesses may have seen the events that led to your accident. If the at-fault driver denies liability or the insurance company disputes your claim, your lawyer may use witness testimonies to prove negligence and liability.

5. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Insurance companies boost their profits by denying and undervaluing claims, but they tend to take claims more seriously when they are filed by attorneys. An experienced lawyer can also calculate your damages so you pursue the maximum compensation, and if your case goes to trial, your attorney can represent you in court.

If you were injured by a negligent driver in Texas, turn to the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a personal injury lawyer in Van Zandt with a reputation for tough litigation and a strategy for winning substantial settlements and verdicts for his clients. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 903-297-0037.