Road trips, especially during the summer vacation months, can be a unique experience in the great state of Texas. Driving from Houston to the Gulf Coast is a wonderful and scenic route.
Unfortunately, this is a high-traffic route that also has a lot of hazards for accidents. A car crash can ruin your Texas vacation, in addition to the risk for serious injury. Learn more information about what you can do if you get into a car accident during your road trip, as well as safety tips for how to avoid an accident.
What to do if you have a crash
There are a few critical first things you should do if you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle accident on your Texas road trip. Of course, the very first priority is making sure that anyone injured in the crash receives immediate medical attention. Once you have ensured care for the injured parties, you can begin the procedures necessary for the insurance claim.
The Texas Department of Transportation advises you to move your vehicle out of the roadway to a safer place so you can exchange the necessary information with the other driver. This includes basic information such as contact details (name, address, phone number, driver’s license number) as well as vehicle information (license plate and VIN) and insurance information.
What to do about injuries after initial treatment
Once any injured parties receive initial treatment for their injuries and are stabilised, the process begins for assessing whether the other driver was negligent. This will likely require an investigation. This will also involve dealing with insurance companies. If the other driver was negligent for the injuries, the injured party may be able to seek compensation through the courts, which can pay for medical expenses as well as lost wages due to missed time at work because of the injury.
Remember that the insurance company is not looking out for your best interests, but rather for the interests of its own business. Therefore, be cautious in your dealings with the insurance company so that you do not jeopardize your chances to receive the right amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.
