What to Do if a Car Hits You from Behind in Texas?
If you've been the victim of a rear-end collision in Texas, it's important to know what steps to take immediately afterward to protect your rights and access the compensation you may deserve. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do if a car hits you from behind in Texas.
Stop and Assess the Situation
If you are able to safely do so after a rear-end crash, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Make sure to put your hazard lights on to alert other drivers. Before getting out of your car, take a few moments to collect yourself and assess the situation. Are you or any passengers hurt at all? Even if the pain seems minor at first, you'll want to document any possible injuries right away.
Also, take note of the traffic conditions and position of the vehicles involved. Did the rear-ending happen at a stop light, in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic, or at highway speeds? Determining the circumstances can help establish fault later on.
Call the Police
It's always a good idea to call 911 and request a police officer come to the scene, even if the accident seems minor. A police report can serve as an objective, third-party record of what transpired. The report may include information such as weather conditions, skid marks, statements from witnesses, and any traffic violations observed.
Having a police report in hand strengthens your case down the line. Some insurance adjusters may try to dispute or downplay an accident if there's no formal police record. So, don't leave the scene until a responding officer has all the information needed.
Exchange Information
While waiting for the police, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved. You'll want to get their name, phone number, address, license plate, and insurance details. It's also wise to take pictures of the damage, license plates, vehicle positions, and any injuries sustained. Documenting the scene thoroughly arms you with evidence to prove your case later.
Don't admit fault or get into arguments. Just stick to quietly gathering information. Anything said can potentially be used against you when insurance companies start investigating. Wait until you consult with an attorney before making any recorded statements about the accident.
Get Medical Attention
Even if nothing seems broken or severely injured, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage can take days or weeks to fully surface. Adrenaline in the aftermath can also mask underlying issues. So, it's vital to have a medical professional thoroughly evaluate your condition upon leaving the scene.
Be sure to share all symptoms and pains with your doctor, no matter how minor they may feel. Downplaying anything at this stage can negatively impact your ability to receive compensation for medical bills and pain later on. Your medical record will serve as the main proof of any injuries tied to the crash.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Have your lawyer notify your auto insurance provider about the accident as soon as you're able. Your insurance company also may help handle communication and negotiations with the at-fault driver's insurer, acting as your advocate. Be wary of quick settlement offers from the other party's insurance company, as they typically lowball hoping you'll take less money than entitled. A car accident lawyer can help with this.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced Texas car accident lawyer should be part of your response plan after any rear-end collision. An attorney can conduct a full investigation of the crash, negotiate optimal settlement offers, and take the case to trial if needed. They know how to handle complex insurance laws and prove exactly how much compensation you deserve.
Rear-end accidents almost always fault the driver who hit you from behind. But insurance companies will look for any wiggle room to lessen or deny rightful compensation. An attorney levels the playing field and handles the legwork, so you can focus on recovery.
Gather Evidence to Prove Your Claim
Almost all rear-end collisions are clear-cut cases, as the vehicle doing the rear-ending is nearly always responsible. However, insurance adjusters may downplay the accident's severity and impact in hopes of reducing payouts. That's why gathering strong supporting evidence is key after a Texas rear-end wreck. Some important forms of documentation include:
- Police report- Details about road conditions, traffic flow, statements, and vehicle positioning. A police report carries objective weight in determining fault.
- Medical records- All doctor visits, specialist referrals, imaging results, physical therapy, treatments undergone, and prognosis reports help quantify injury damages.
- Photographs- Pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries present, and related images help recreate the incident. Diagrams can also clearly depict what transpired.
- Video footage- If available, security camera or dash cam footage provides visual proof of how the crash happened and who was at fault.
- Witness accounts- Written or recorded statements from eyewitnesses who saw the accident are very compelling and are often used in negotiations.
An experienced car accident attorney knows how to utilize these evidence sources to their fullest extent in demanding maximum compensation from insurers and in court if necessary.
Let a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Help with Your Rear-End Collision
Don't gamble with your health or finances after a Texas rear-end crash. The dedicated legal team at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys has helped recover millions of dollars for injury victims statewide. We'll handle every aspect of building your case, negotiating with insurers, and taking legal action if warranted - at no upfront cost to you. Our only fees come as a percentage of the settlement we obtain for you. Get started today with a free, no-obligation case review. Call us at (800) 4THE-WIN to set up a free consultation with an accomplished car accident lawyer in Texas.
