In Texas it is almost impossible to drive on the streets and highways without being involved in a traffic accident at some time. Insurance coverage is required of all drivers and the way an accident is handled by those involved is critical to recovering all damages. If the rules set forth in the insurance policy are not followed there may not be any protection provided, loss for injuries may not be paid and repairs to the vehicles may not be covered. 

When an accident occurs, unless there is limited or no damage and no injury, the police should be called. A handshake and a promise to pay for the damage is the start of a potential disaster. The police report helps establish fault and is extremely important in helping to settle any dispute over who is at fault. 

Injuries are often not noticable at first. A stiff neck, back ache, a bruise or head ache may be an indication of much more serious problems. Always tell the paramedics and police of any symptoms even if they do not seem serious. Any head injury can be deadly! Go to the hospital with the ambulance if there is any question. Do not take chances with your health. Insurance policies cover ambulance transport if you have full coverage or if you are not at fault and the other party has insurance. 

Next notify your insurance carrier of the accident. There is a duty to notify in a timely manner to activate coverage. You should also then call your attorney and ask what to do about getting the car fixed, getting follow up medical care and finally a settlement of the case. Pictures of the damage and accident scene will be helpful in settling the claim and in determining fault. The attorney should help with this.

If you are at fault in the accident, you should notify your insurance carrier of the accident. This allows them to represent your interest by covering your losses and acitvates your personal injury protection coverage for immediate costs. If you did not take the coverage you have lost a valuable protection. It is inexpensive to add and makes your life much happier. 

After the initial emergency care has been furnished, your attorney should arrange follow up care if needed. This is usually covered by a letter of protection furnished to the doctors by the lawyer. This way you are not out of pocket for your treatment.  If the accident was a major one resulting in serious injuries your attorney will help make arrangements for your costs of medical treatment where possible and will help coordinate health insurance policies.

I hope this is helpful in outlining what to do to protect yourself if an accident occurs. Please contact my office if there is any information we can help you with.