by Houston’s highways, like the Katy Freeway, are a special kind of chaos.
A fender bender here can leave your heart pounding and your thoughts scrambled. In those first dizzying moments, you ask, What’s the first thing you should do?
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to protect yourself, both medically and legally.
What to Do After a Car Wreck in Houston?
We’ll also break down the real reasons you might want to get legal support from a skilled car wreck lawyer – because making sure you’re fairly compensated for your injuries shouldn’t be another thing you have to worry about.
Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene
Overwhelmed after an accident? Pause. Breathe. Just remember two things: check on your passengers and start gathering information. This groundwork is crucial for what comes next.
- Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
First, call 911 if anyone might be injured. Then, get checked by a doctor. What feels like minor shock now could be something more serious tomorrow.
If the car runs, move it. If it’s stuck, hazards on and stay in your seat.
- Contact the Police and Report the Accident
Don’t ever skip calling the police. You need that official report, even for a small fender-bender. It becomes the unbiased story of what went down.
When the officer arrives, just stick to the facts. There’s no need to guess or say “I’m sorry”, just tell them what you saw. That report will be your best friend later on.
- Document the Scene Thoroughly
Use your smartphone to collect as much evidence as possible. You’ll want pictures of everything. Get wide shots of the whole scene, the car positions, any skid marks, and street signs. Then, get in close on all the damage to every car involved.
Don’t forget to photograph every cut and bruise. What seems minor now can become vital evidence later.
- Essential Information to Collect
Before leaving the scene, be sure to exchange the following information with all other drivers involved:
- Full name, address, and contact number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Year, make, and model of all vehicles involved
Just get the facts. You can sort everything else out later.
The Critical Hours and Days Following the Crash
Your actions following the accident need equal attention as your conduct during the incident.
- Seek a Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
Don’t skip the doctor, even if you think you’re fine. Things like whiplash or internal issues can sneak up on you a day later. Plus, having that medical record is your best proof that the accident caused your injuries.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
You need to let your own insurance company know about the accident pretty quickly. Just give them the basic facts. But here’s a big one: if the other driver’s insurance company calls you, you don’t have to give them a recorded statement. It’s okay to say no. They’re often looking for ways to pay you less.
- Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
You might get a check offer from an insurance company surprisingly fast. Be careful. This is often a lowball offer they hope you’ll take before you realize how much your injuries will really cost.
Once you cash that check, you’re almost always done; you can’t ask for more money later, even if your medical bills pile up. Never sign anything or take a payment without talking to a lawyer first.
Why You Need a Skilled Car Wreck Lawyer?
Fighting with insurance companies and trying to understand legal forms is the last thing you need while recovering from an accident.
This is where a lawyer steps in. They take on the complicated stuff, giving you the space you need to actually heal.
- Building a Strong Claim for Maximum Compensation
A lawyer possesses the skills to conduct crash investigations while obtaining essential evidence and determining the actual worth of your compensation claim.
Your claim value requires evidence of present medical costs and future medical needs and wage loss and future earning potential and property destruction, and non-monetary pain and suffering damages.
- Handling Insurance Company Negotiations
The main goal of insurance adjusters involves defending their company’s financial interests. A car wreck attorney from Brann Sullivan who has experience will take charge of all your settlement negotiations.
The attorney will defend your rights by rejecting insufficient settlement proposals while working to obtain a proper compensation amount for your damages.
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Necessary
While many cases are settled, some require a courtroom battle. You need a law firm with proven trial experience. The team at Brann Sullivan has the litigation expertise to present a compelling case to a judge and jury if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
The Brann Sullivan Difference
Brann Sullivan has established itself as a leading law firm through more than fifty years of collective experience dedicated to protecting Texans who have suffered injuries.
The attorneys at the firm recognize the destruction that car accidents create for people through their physical harm and financial losses.
Their mission is simple: to level the playing field against large insurance companies and make sure clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Here’s what clients can expect from Brann Sullivan:
- Personalized case attention
Every case is unique. The firm takes the time to learn each client’s story and tailor a legal strategy to their specific situation.
- Proven negotiation skills
With decades of trial and settlement experience, Brann Sullivan attorneys know how to secure results efficiently.
- Transparent communication
Clients stay informed about every step of the process. No legal jargon. No hidden surprises.
- A results-driven approach
The team measures success by client recovery, not by case volume.
For anyone searching for help after an accident, it’s wise to get legal support from a skilled car wreck lawyer who understands Texas law and knows how to win.
Injured in a Car Wreck? Talk to a Houston Lawyer Now
A split-second crash can cause problems that last for years. Dealing with it all is overwhelming. That’s where Brann Sullivan comes in.
For over 50 years, they’ve been the go-to firm for Houston residents, offering the legal muscle to protect your rights and secure your future.
Victims don’t have to face insurance companies alone; they can get legal support from a skilled car wreck lawyer who truly fights for their rights.
