Per capita, Texas has one of the highest rates of car accidents in the country. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, over 17,000 people sustained serious injuries due to automobile accidents in 2016. Driver negligence, which includes distracted or inebriated driving, causes most car accidents. In McAllen, Texas, over 2,850 crashes were reported in 2017. Nearly 150 of these accidents involved an inebriated driver. More on this website
Although car crashes are relatively common, not everyone knows what to do during the aftermath. Auto-Accident injuries can range from minor to serious and may even cause death. If you have been in an accident and received serious injuries, do not hesitate to contact the McAllen car accident lawyer at Carabin Shaw who will advocate against insurance companies for your needs and rights.
There are a few common types of car crashes. Some of these are:
These types of crashes can cause serious injuries to the head, neck, and back. A person in an accident might hit his or her head on the wheel or roof of the car. A high-impact hit can result in a concussion or lasting brain injury. Spine injuries are also common in car accidents and can result in a herniated disc. The most well-known injury associated with auto accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when there is a rapid back and forth movement and can cause a stiff neck with symptoms that vary from person to person. If you were in a car accident and are showing symptoms of injury, seek medical attention right away and then reach out to the Carabin Shaw auto-injury lawyers serving in McAllen.
What to Do After an Accident
If you have been in an accident, the first step is to remain at the scene and do not admit fault. Leaving a scene can result in serious penalties, such as license suspension. If possible, move involved vehicles over to the side of the road to leave as much roadway open as possible. Call 911 to report any injuries and ask for assistance if necessary.
Next, exchange information with the other driver. Texas drivers are required to share certain information with all parties involved in an accident. This information should include:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver license number
- License plate numbers of the vehicles involved
- Auto-insurance information
It is important to gather contact information from witnesses as well. If possible, take photographs as well.
After seeking medical attention, the next important step is to obtain a car accident lawyer in McAllen. A car accident lawyer will represent you against the insurance company and advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf. Obtaining and keeping track of information from involved parties, taking photographs, and having medical records on hand will all help determine who is at fault in the accident. In Texas, the party the law determines as at fault must pay damages to the injured party.