If you have been in a car accident caused by another driver, you should use your legal right to seek financial compensation for any injuries and vehicle damage you suffer. However, if you caused the accident, what can you expect?
Whether you were distracted by a passenger, failed to signal when you turned, or driver more than the posted speed limit, you still have legal rights even if you are to blame for the crash. An experienced houston car accident attorney will help you explore your legal options.
What to Do After the Accident
If you believe you are at fault for the crash, try to stay calm. Although the accident is quite stressful for all people involved, you can only take the right steps if you remain calm. Don’t go anywhere until the police arrive and medical personnel arrive. You should allow law enforcement to investigate the crash, so they can create an accident report.
While you are at the scene, document any evidence you can get if you are physically able to do so. You need to get the names and contact information of the other driver and their insurance company, pedestrians, and other people who may have witnessed the crash. You must also take note of the locations of security or street cameras that may have captured footage of your accident. Once you gather the necessary evidence, call your insurance company.
What Not to Do
While you wait for the police to arrive, limit conversations with the other parties. Even if you feel guilty or nervous because you think you caused the crash, you should not admit fault or apologize for what just happened. Also, avoid speculating or escalating tension at the scene. If the other party is threatening or acting angry, don’t respond to the aggression. In addition, avoid saying anything to police that may indicate you are to blame for the crash.
Why Fault Should be Determined after a Car Crash
Your car accident attorney will review your case to establish whether the other part also contributed to the accident. The state of Texas uses a rule called modified comparative fault which lets parties responsible for a crash seek financial recovery for their damages. But, seek compensation can only be sought by a part with less than 51 percent at fault for the collision. A claimant’s financial recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
