Car accidents in Texas are a very serious matter. It can happen when you least expect it and can yield devastating results. More often than not, people are left shaken and unsure of what to do next. In 2019, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that a staggering 256,338 people were injured in car wrecks. Due to car accidents involving distracted driving, 377 people were killed in that same year. It’s paramount that we do our best to stay alert and aware of our surroundings when driving, but at the Sloan Firm, we know all too well that it only takes a moment for everything to change. Whether or not you’ve been in a car wreck, we believe it’s important that you know the top 3 steps to take to be prepared and safe.
1. Make Sure Everyone is Okay
Things can feel a little disorienting immediately after a car wreck. It can be difficult for your mind to adjust and process what just happened, and usually, there are a million questions floating around your head: Is everyone okay? Is my car okay? Why did this happen? What do I do now? The most important thing you can do after a wreck is to make sure that you and everyone involved is okay. Make sure everyone has been able to get a safe distance away from the accident, and that the police and first responders are on their way.
2. Collect Information
After you’ve made sure that everyone is okay, the next step is to collect information. From the other driver(s) you’ll want to be sure to get the following information: name and contact information, driver’s license and plate number, vehicle make, model, and color, and their insurance company along with their policy number. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well in addition to the badge number of the investigating officer. Take pictures of the scene, and try to write down your own account of what happened. The more information you have, the better.
3. Get Representation
At this point of the process, people are often trying to figure out the “why” of the accident. Who caused it, and who is to blame? The insurance companies become a hassle and it feels like they are just trying to hold on to their money instead of helping you. Protect yourself and your rights, get representation. Having a car accident attorney in your corner when it feels like no one else is can make a tremendous difference and give you time to heal and to process.
Contact Personal Injury Lawyers in Longview, Texas
At the end of the day, you and your safety are what is most important. If you’ve been in a car accident and are unsure of what to do next, we are here for you. At the Sloan Firm, you can call and talk to one of our dedicated attorneys for free. Chances are, you’re dealing with enough stress and pressure, so there is no obligation to hire Sloan Firm when you call. When you choose Sloan Firm, we don’t win unless you do! Our goal is to stand up for you and to protect your rights, so you will not see a fee or bill until we win through trial or settlement. If you have any questions, give us a call and let our attorneys focus on the accident, so you can focus on what matters most: you and your loved ones.