A Houston car accident can turn an ordinary day into a stressful series of medical appointments, vehicle repairs, insurance calls, and financial concerns.
You may be dealing with pain while also trying to determine who was responsible for the crash. Then the insurance company calls.
The adjuster may ask what happened, request a statement, ask about your injuries, or discuss a settlement. You may be tempted to answer every question immediately because you want your vehicle repaired and your medical bills paid.
But what you say and do after a crash can affect how your injury claim develops.
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident and you were injured, understanding your rights and responsibilities early can be important. A Houston African American Car Accident Attorney can help you understand the legal process, communicate with insurance companies, investigate the circumstances of the collision, and determine what options may be available based on the facts of your case.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Houston Car Accident?
Your first priority after a collision should be safety and medical attention.
If you are able to do so safely, move away from immediate danger and call 911 when emergency assistance is needed.
Texas law establishes specific duties for drivers involved in collisions. For example, Texas Transportation Code §550.023 addresses providing identifying and insurance information to people involved in certain collisions, while §550.026 addresses immediate reporting requirements for collisions involving injury, death, or vehicles that cannot be safely driven.
After addressing immediate safety concerns, consider taking the following steps.
1. Get Medical Attention
Some accident injuries are obvious immediately.
Others may not become apparent until hours or even days after the crash.
Neck pain, back pain, headaches, soft-tissue injuries, and other symptoms can develop after a collision. If you are experiencing symptoms, seek appropriate medical care.
Medical treatment is important for your health, but medical records can also document the injuries you experienced following the accident.
Do not ignore symptoms simply because the vehicle damage appears minor.
2. Exchange Information
Obtain the other driver’s information when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Important information can include:
- Driver’s name
- Contact information
- Driver’s license information
- Insurance information
- License plate number
- Vehicle make and model
If there are witnesses, consider obtaining their names and contact information as well.
3. Take Photographs and Video
Photographs can help document the condition of the vehicles, roadway, surrounding area, traffic conditions, and visible injuries.
If you are physically able to do so safely, consider photographing:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Damage to the other vehicle
- Vehicle positions
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals
- Street signs
- Skid marks
- Debris
- Visible injuries
- Property damage
Your phone may contain important evidence that could become difficult to recreate later.
4. Obtain the Crash Report
A police or crash report can contain information about the collision, including identifying information about the drivers and vehicles and the officer’s observations.
Texas law provides requirements concerning written collision reports for certain crashes investigated by law enforcement.
Keep copies of important documents related to your accident.
What Should You Say to the Insurance Company?
One of the most important decisions after a crash may be how you handle communications with the insurance company.
Insurance adjusters investigate claims and gather information to determine how the insurer will handle the claim.
An adjuster may call you shortly after the accident.
They may ask:
- What happened?
- Where were you going?
- How fast were you traveling?
- Were you injured?
- Have you received medical treatment?
- Have you missed work?
- What did the police say?
- Do you believe the other driver was responsible?
Some questions may seem harmless.
But an injured person may not yet know the full extent of their injuries or have access to all of the information necessary to understand what happened.
That is one reason you should be careful about making statements before you understand the circumstances of your claim.
Be Careful About Giving a Recorded Statement
An insurance company may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident.
Before agreeing, consider obtaining legal advice.
A recorded statement creates a permanent record of what you said. If you later remember additional details or your injuries become more serious, statements made shortly after the crash may become part of the insurance company’s evaluation of your claim.
That does not mean you should refuse every request from an insurance company.
It means you should understand what is being requested and why before providing information that could affect your claim.
Do Not Assume the First Settlement Offer Is the Full Value of Your Claim
An insurance company may make an offer to resolve your claim.
You may be tempted to accept it because medical bills are arriving and you need money.
But an early settlement offer may be made before you know the full extent of your medical treatment, lost income, property damage, or other losses.
For example, someone may initially believe they have a minor neck injury but later require additional treatment.
Once a claim is settled, the ability to seek additional compensation may be limited depending on the terms of the settlement and applicable law.
Before signing a release or accepting a settlement, understand what you are agreeing to.
What Damages May Be Involved in a Houston Car Accident Claim?
Every accident claim is different.
The damages potentially involved can depend on the circumstances of the collision and the nature and extent of the injuries.
Depending on the facts, a personal injury claim may involve issues such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Other losses associated with the injury
The existence and value of any particular damage depends on the facts and applicable law.
That is why an attorney should evaluate your individual circumstances rather than relying on an online settlement calculator or a general estimate.
What If the Other Driver Says the Accident Was Your Fault?
Not every accident has an obvious explanation.
The other driver may claim that you caused the collision.
An insurance company may also question liability.
This can make evidence especially important.
Evidence may include:
- Police reports
- Photographs
- Dashcam footage
- Surveillance video
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage
- Accident reconstruction evidence
- Medical records
- Cellphone or electronic evidence when legally obtainable
- Traffic signal information
- Other documentation relating to the collision
Do not assume that the other driver’s statement automatically determines who was legally responsible.
The facts need to be investigated.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
Texas uses a modified comparative responsibility system for certain civil claims.
That means the allocation of responsibility can matter when determining whether and how much a person may recover.
Because comparative responsibility can become complicated, you should not assume that being accused of partial fault means you have no legal claim.
Likewise, you should not assume that the other driver is automatically 100% responsible simply because they received a traffic citation.
The facts surrounding the collision matter.
What If You Were Injured But Did Not Feel Pain Immediately?
This is a common concern after a collision.
Some injuries can take time to become noticeable.
A person may leave the accident scene believing they are fine and later develop pain or other symptoms.
If symptoms appear, seek medical attention and explain that you were involved in a car accident.
Do not minimize your symptoms when talking with medical professionals.
Medical records can help document what you reported, when you reported it, and what treatment was recommended.
What If You Missed Work Because of the Accident?
A serious injury can affect more than your health.
You may miss work for doctor’s appointments, treatment, recovery, or because you cannot perform your normal duties.
Keep documentation concerning lost time from work.
Depending on the circumstances, wage-related losses may become part of an injury claim.
Useful records may include:
- Pay stubs
- Employer documentation
- Work schedules
- Tax records
- Statements concerning missed work
- Documentation of reduced hours
The more clearly your losses are documented, the easier it may be to evaluate their significance as part of the overall claim.
What If the Accident Happened on a Houston Freeway?
Houston’s major highways and roadways can produce complicated accident scenes.
A collision on Interstate 10, Interstate 45, U.S. 59, the 610 Loop, the Sam Houston Tollway, or another busy roadway may involve multiple vehicles, traffic cameras, commercial vehicles, witnesses, and rapidly changing road conditions.
Evidence can disappear.
Vehicles may be repaired or moved.
Video footage may not remain available indefinitely.
Witnesses may become difficult to locate.
This is one reason accident investigations should begin as early as reasonably possible.
What If the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
Uninsured or underinsured drivers can create additional complications.
If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage, your own insurance policy may contain coverage that could potentially apply depending on the circumstances.
Your policy language matters.
The facts of the accident matter.
The applicable Texas law matters.
Do not assume that having uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage automatically means a claim will be paid. Review your policy and discuss the circumstances with an attorney if you have questions about your rights.
What If a Family Member Was Seriously Injured?
A serious car accident can affect an entire family.
A spouse may have to miss work to provide assistance.
Children may have to adjust to changes at home.
A family may face transportation problems, medical appointments, financial pressure, and uncertainty about the future.
When an injury is severe, the legal issues can become more complicated.
A serious injury may involve long-term treatment, rehabilitation, permanent impairment, or changes in the injured person’s ability to work.
In the most tragic cases, a car accident can result in death.
Texas law provides specific rules governing wrongful-death claims, and families should seek legal advice regarding their individual circumstances.
Why You Should Preserve Evidence After a Crash
Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes.
For example, surveillance footage may be overwritten. Vehicles may be repaired. Physical evidence may disappear. Witnesses may forget details or become difficult to contact.
Preserving information early can therefore be important.
Create a file containing:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Prescription information
- Insurance correspondence
- Photographs
- Videos
- Repair estimates
- Pay records
- Witness information
- Correspondence with the insurance company
Keep copies of everything.
Do not rely solely on an insurance company to maintain all records concerning your claim.
When Should You Talk to a Car Accident Attorney?
You may want to speak with an attorney when:
- You suffered significant injuries
- Your medical treatment is ongoing
- The other driver disputes responsibility
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- The accident involved a commercial truck
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- You are unable to work
- The insurance company is pressuring you to settle
- The insurance company disputes your claim
- You received a settlement offer
- You believe important evidence needs to be preserved
- A loved one suffered a fatal injury
Not every minor collision requires an attorney.
But when an accident involves serious injuries, disputed liability, substantial losses, or complicated insurance issues, obtaining legal advice can help you understand your options.
Why Consider a Houston African American Car Accident Attorney?
When people search for an African American attorney in Houston, they may be looking for more than legal representation.
They may want an attorney who understands the importance of communication, respect, trust, and personal attention.
Caruthers Law Firm represents injury victims in Houston and throughout Texas. The firm emphasizes personalized representation and communication with clients throughout the legal process.
For someone dealing with the consequences of a serious collision, having an attorney who will listen to the details of the accident and explain the available legal options can be an important part of navigating the claims process.
You can learn more about the firm’s Houston personal injury services and its African American attorneys in Houston.
Do Not Let an Insurance Company Rush Your Decision
After an accident, you may feel pressure to resolve everything quickly.
You want your car repaired.
You want your medical bills paid.
You want to get back to work.
You want your life to return to normal.
But important decisions about an injury claim should not be rushed simply because an insurance company wants an answer.
Take the time to understand your injuries, your losses, the available evidence, and your legal options.
If you have questions about a settlement, release, recorded statement, or other insurance request, consider speaking with an attorney before making a decision.
Talk With a Houston African American Car Accident Attorney
A Houston car accident can create physical, financial, and emotional challenges that extend far beyond the day of the crash.
You may be dealing with medical treatment, lost income, vehicle damage, insurance communications, and uncertainty about what happens next.
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you do not have to navigate the process without legal guidance.
Caruthers Law Firm represents individuals and families dealing with personal injury matters in Houston and throughout Texas.
If you are looking for a Houston African American Car Accident Attorney, contact Caruthers Law Firm to discuss your accident and learn about your potential legal options.
Request a Free Case Evaluation
Caruthers Law Firm
4141 Southwest Freeway, Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77027
713-526-9557
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Houston car accident, contact Caruthers Law Firm to discuss your situation.
Houston African American Car Accident Attorney — Caruthers Law Firm
This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every personal injury case is different. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this article or contacting the firm. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
