Speeding accidents can lead to serious TBIs (traumatic brain injuries), whiplash and other severe health issues, landing you or a loved one in a Texas hospital. And even if they don’t, the psychological impact is often devastating, especially financially if you end up missing work and losing income.
Knowing what to do after motor vehicle accidents is critical. If you’ve been in a speeding accident, here are the steps you need to take to protect your rights.
What to do
Here are the steps to cover after a speeding accident.
- If anyone’s been even remotely hurt, request medical attention ASAP. Do not dismiss any injury as “minor,” as these can have a long-term impact if not diagnosed right away.
- Your call for medics will most likely go through the police. Texas law requires the police to investigate every vehicular accident and file a report.
- Reach out to your insurance agent and report the incident. Keep the conversation detailed but brief. You can deal with the insurer in greater depth later.
- If there are witnesses and you’re capable, get names and phone numbers.
- Again, if you’re able to, get as many photographs of the scene from as many angles as you can. Get the skid marks, a potential sign of who was speeding, and get pictures of speed limit signs.
- For insurance purposes, exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers and insurance information with the other driver.
- Do not talk about the accident with the other driver. Anything anyone says is accountable and usable later.
- Do not use social media. Anything written or said may become evidence by a no-fault driver’s insurance company to hurt your claim.
Last words
Follow any instructions provided by medical professionals and law enforcement. Not doing so could slow any recovery and/or hurt the chances of being fairly compensated for any expenses or losses resulting from the accident.