Most drivers in Texas and around the country are involved in a traffic accident sooner or later, and the things they do in the moments following a collision can help or hinder their chances of recovering damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Calling the emergency services and ensuring that any injured road users receive medical treatment should be the first priorities following a crash. Once this is done, drivers should turn their attention to gathering evidence and important information.
Photographs and eyewitnesses
To prove negligence in a motor vehicle accident lawsuit, the plaintiff must be able to establish a clear timeline and sequence of events. This could be a lot easier to accomplish if they have photographs of the scene and witnesses who saw the events unfold and are willing to appear in court. Drivers involved in an accident should use their cellphones to capture images of the scene before vehicles are moved, and they should also gather the names and contact details of bystanders who are willing to provide this information. The photographs they take may be valuable in more ways than one because they could reveal sources of even more compelling evidence like security cameras.
Car accident injuries
Car accident victims should allow themselves to be checked by paramedics even if they appear to be unharmed. This is because many of the most common types of injury suffered in motor vehicle collisions do not present symptoms right away, and refusing treatment at the scene could make it more difficult for them to seek compensation later on. Two things that motorists should refrain from doing following a crash are accepting blame and getting into an argument or physical altercation with the other driver.
Remaining calm
This is not always easy as motorists may find it difficult to remain calm when they have been injured or their property has been damaged because another driver acted negligently, but they should do all that they can to remain composed. Instead of trading accusations or discussing who was to blame, drivers should exchange information and wait for law enforcement to arrive.