Houston traffic is notorious. From bumper-to-bumper gridlock on I-10 and the Katy Freeway to fast-moving commuters on Loop 610, car accidents happen every single day. If you find yourself the victim of a collision, the moments immediately following the crash can be overwhelming and chaotic.
Knowing what to do can protect your health and safeguard your right to fair financial compensation. Here are four vital steps to take if you are in a car accident in Houston:
1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911
First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. If possible, move your vehicle out of active traffic to a safe shoulder to avoid secondary collisions. Even if the accident seems minor, having a formal police report generated by the Houston Police Department (HPD) or local sheriff’s office is crucial for your insurance claim.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, collect as much evidence as you can:
- Take wide-angle and close-up photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs.
- Get the contact and insurance information from all drivers involved.
- Collect names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses. Their testimony can make or break a disputed liability claim.
3. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding. Visit a doctor or go to an emergency room as soon as possible. Not only is this vital for your health, but it also creates an official medical paper trail linking your injuries directly to the accident. Insurance companies love to use gaps in medical treatment to deny or reduce payouts.
4. Contact an Experienced Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, often offering lowball settlements before you even realize the full scope of your injuries. Before signing anything or giving a recorded statement, reach out to PM Law. We handle the heavy lifting, deal with the insurance companies aggressively, and fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Injured on Houston roads? Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact PM Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation