Accident Lawyers

Austin, Texas

First Steps to Take After an Accident

Car accidents can be nerve-racking and tense situations. If serious injuries are involved, the incident can be truly devastating. But even accidents that seem minor and insignificant in the big scheme of things can be stressful and can actually turn into larger-scale injuries that were not apparent at the time of the crash.

At the Austin, Texas law firm of Gonzales & Gonzales, we concentrate on your legal issues while you concentrate on fully recovering emotionally and physically from the auto accident. To discuss your accident with one of our experienced attorneys, schedule a free consultation right away.

Important Steps to Take After Your Car Accident

It is not always easy, but it is important to stay calm, especially in those first few minutes and hours after an automobile accident. How you behave and the actions you take during that time can impact the amount of financial compensation you may be eligible to receive, if another party is at fault.
Here are some other after-crash essentials:

• Never leave the accident scene until you are sure it is appropriate.
• Check for any injuries to all drivers and passengers involved.
• If you think there is any chance you have been injured, accept medical treatment.
• Notify the police, and request that a report be filed.
• Exchange information with the drivers of other vehicles involved. Information you should obtain includes: names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers and auto insurance information.
• Do not apologize for any actions right now. It is important to wait until all facts have been gathered until establishing fault for the auto accident.
• Locate any witnesses and get their names and contact information.
• Use your cell phone camera to photograph the accident scene if you have the opportunity to do so safely.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. But do not give a recorded or written statement without talking to an attorney first.
• Write down details while they are still fresh on your mind. Think about weather and road conditions, any obstacles or other vehicles that might have been involved.
• As you recover, keep copies of all accident- and injury-related receipts.

If you have been involved in a car accident and would like to discuss whether or not you have a personal injury case, we would be happy to help. Please contact the knowledgeable and compassionate auto accident injury attorneys at Gonzales & Gonzales, located in Austin, Texas, but also serving the communities of Round Rock, San Marcos and Lockhart, Texas, and nationally.