A car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In the moments after a crash, confusion, stress, and uncertainty can make it difficult to know what steps to take. However, the actions you take immediately after an accident can have a significant impact on your health, financial recovery, and legal case.
At Arnold Lopez Law Office in Houston, we help car accident victims navigate the legal process and secure fair compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, here’s what you need to do to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first priority after any accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and reduce the risk of another collision. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries.
When to seek medical help immediately:
- Severe injuries that require emergency medical assistance
- Neck, back, or head pain that may indicate a serious injury
- Loss of consciousness or dizziness, which could signal a concussion or internal injuries
- Persistent pain or numbness that may suggest nerve or spinal cord damage
Even if you feel fine, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time. Having medical records from a healthcare provider is also crucial evidence in a personal injury claim.
Call the Police and File an Accident Report
In Texas, drivers are required by law to report an accident if:
- There is property damage of $1,000 or more
- Someone is injured or killed
- A vehicle is disabled and cannot be moved
When police officers arrive, they will document the scene, create an official accident report, assess liability based on witness statements and evidence, and issue citations if a driver violated traffic laws.
Having a police report strengthens your personal injury claim by providing official documentation of the crash, including who was at fault, statements from drivers and witnesses, road and weather conditions, and any citations or violations issued.
At Arnold Lopez Law Office in Houston, we use police reports as key evidence when negotiating with insurance companies and proving liability.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Strong evidence can make a huge difference in a personal injury case. If you’re physically able, gather as much information as possible at the scene.
What to collect:
- Photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and visible injuries
- Driver and witness information, including names, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle details
- Notes about the accident, such as date, time, location, weather, and anything the other driver said
Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you may have contributed to the accident. Let the investigation and legal process determine responsibility.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, but be cautious with your statements. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize payouts or shift blame.
What to say to your insurance company:
- Stick to the facts and provide basic details only
- Do not admit fault or speculate on what happened
- Avoid giving recorded statements without consulting a lawyer
If the other driver’s insurance contacts you, do not accept any settlement offers without speaking to a personal injury attorney first.
At Arnold Lopez Law Office, we handle all insurance negotiations to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible.
Understand What Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After a car accident, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for all accident-related expenses.
Types of compensation available:
- Medical expenses for emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages if injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering compensation for emotional distress, trauma, and loss of quality of life
At Arnold Lopez Law Office, we fight to maximize compensation for Houston car accident victims and ensure they aren’t pressured into accepting low settlement offers.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Houston
Navigating a personal injury claim can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal deadlines. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that you:
- Have legal experts on your side who handle all paperwork and negotiations
- Can prove liability with strong evidence, police reports, and witness statements
- Receive fair compensation through aggressive negotiations
At Arnold Lopez Law Office, we have helped countless car accident victims in Houston recover the compensation they deserve. We offer personalized legal representation to ensure you get justice and financial recovery.
Call Arnold Lopez Law Office for a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Houston, do not face the legal process alone. At Arnold Lopez Law Office, we provide expert legal guidance to help you secure the compensation you need to recover.
Call Arnold Lopez Law Office at (713) 695-2000 for a free consultation.
Visit Arnold Lopez Law Office at https://arnoldlopez.net to learn more about our personal injury services.
Located at 4617 Bristol St, Houston, TX 77009 – Serving Houston and surrounding areas.
Do not wait—contact us today and let us fight for you.