What To Do After An Accident



If you are involved in an automobile accident, you should:

  • Stop! Do not block traffic! Turn off your ignition and do not leave the scene.
  • Turn your hazard lights on and do your best to warn oncoming vehicles; use flares if you have them.
  • Assist anyone who is injured, providing first aid if you can. Call an ambulance; do not attempt to move anyone who is seriously injured.
  • Call the police; offer your complete coperation to officers on the scene. Be sure to write down the officer's name, badge number, and the office he works out of for future reference.
  • Tell the police if you have reason to believe that the driver of the other vehicle may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If you are injured report that in detail to the police officer and tell him if you need an ambulance.
  • Write down contact information of everyone involved, including all witness's names, addresses, home phone, work phone and license plate numbers.
  • If you are not blocking traffic or creating an additional hazard, do not move your vehicle or any of the accident debris unless instructed to do so by a police officer or as required by the safe clear program.
  • Try to make a rough sketch of the collision, showing all vehicles involved and if you have a camera photograph the other driver, the other drivers vehicle damage and any other relavent images that may disappear once you leave the scene.
  • Exchange insurance info with all other parties involved. Ask the officer to verify the other partie's insurance is valid, their policy number, insurance company name and agents name and phone number.
  • If you suspect the vehicle is a company vehicle make sure and get the company's name and phone number.
  • Write down the other driver's statements.
  • Before you allow your car to be towed, make sure to get their rates, as well as name and contact information for the towing company.
  • Don't speak with anyone but police officers until you have consulted your lawyer.
  • Report the accident to the appropiate insurance agent as soon as possible.
  • Take pictures of any damage or injury sustained by you or your vehicle.
  • If you beleive you are injured then go immediately to the nearest emergency room or your family physician.
  • Do not make any statement admitting fault.


    • Call my office 24 hours a day for assistance with further steps you may want to take to protect your legal rights.


    Here's a Good Place to Get Started with Your Claim

    1. State Board of Insurance
      1110 San Jacinto Austin, Texas 78786

    2. Accident Report
      HPD, Records Division, 1200 Travis, Houston, TX 77002. 713-308-8585

    3. Insurance Companies Reporting Claims Phone Numbers
      1. 1-800-ALLSTATE
      2. Farmers Insurance Service at 1-800-435-7764
      3. State Farm Call 1-800-SF-CLAIM (1-800-732-5246)
      4. Progressive 1-800-PROGRESSIVE


    4. Hospitals/Phone-Addresses

      1. LBJ General Hospital
        5656 Kelley, Houston, Texas 77026-1967
        713-566-5000

      2. The Methodist Hospital
        6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
        713-790-3311

      3. St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital
        6720 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX 77030
        832-355-1000

      4. Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
        7600 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77074
        713-456-5000

      5. Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital
        1635 North Loop West, Houston, Texas 77008
        713-867-2000

      6. Memorial Hermann Hospital
        6411 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030
        713-704-4000

      7. CHRISTUS St. Joseph Hospital
        1401 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002
        (713)757-1000

    5. X-Ray/MRI Facilities

      1. Shamrock Imaging
        (713) 799-9266
        7311 Main St
        Houston, TX 77030


    Bellaire
    IRA Leichtman
    6575 W. Loop South, Suite 440
    Bellaire, TX 77401
    Phone: 713-521-9999

    		 Pasadena
    IRA Leichtman
    3222 Burke Road, Suite 207
    Pasadena, TX 77504
    Phone 713-941-0606
    Out of Town ONLY Call 1-86-MY-LAWYER

    Disclaimer: The information presented on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

    Principal Office Bellaire Clients Seen By Appointment Only.

     

    Home  |  Personal Injury Help  |  Critical Phone Numbers
    Free E-Mail Advice and Links  |  Court Information