They’re called accidents for a reason: no one plans for them to happen. Unfortunately, everything doesn’t always go as planned.
If you find yourself in an unexpected, terrible situation, emotions can run high. You might be panicked and confused about what to do next.
That’s why we’re here to help. At the Stewart Law Firm, our experienced car accident attorney in Texas can walk you through the dos and don’ts after your car or truck accident.
What to do after a Texas car or truck accident
It’s normal not to know what to do after your Austin, TX car or truck accident, especially if it’s your first one.
It’s important not to panic, and luckily all you have to do is follow these six simple steps:
- Stop driving: Driving away from an accident is both illegal and immoral, so stay at the scene until officials arrive.
- Check if urgent medical attention is needed: Check yourself and others involved with the accident to see if any urgent medical attention is needed. If it is, call whatever emergency personnel you can reach first.
- Take pictures: Take pictures of the accident before moving your cars from the scene (if safe and applicable). Pictures should include any injuries, different angles of the accident, your car, the other car(s), and where the accident occurred.
- Report the case: Report the accident to the police, who will file an accident report with details about the accident, damages, and potential injuries.
- Exchange information: Exchange information with everyone involved in the accident, including witnesses and passengers.
- Consult a car accident attorney: If you want to seek compensation for damages, or if you are facing a case, then you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.
The police report and its role in your case
The police report is not only one of the first steps you should take after an accident, but one of the most crucial.
This official documentation can help you in the long run, whether you need to file a claim, or if someone else files one against you.
After an accident, law enforcement can create an unbiased, factual account of how the accident happened, if anyone was injured, and any damages that were sustained.
These details can be important in a personal injury lawsuit.
Can you dispute a police report in Texas?
You’ve learned how important a police report can be in a car or truck accident, so you also understand how detrimental it can be if a police report is incorrect. Even small details can make a big difference in your case.
So what do you do in this situation?
Luckily, an inaccurate or incorrect police report isn’t the end of the line. You can request alterations to be made to a police report, and provide a written supplement to the report.
All you have to do is contact the police report with your explanation and documentation to support your claims for revision.
In some cases, law enforcement can refuse to alter a report, but a dedicated car accident attorney can help you take the matter to a judge, who can overrule the police’s decision.
Tips for disputing an Austin, TX police report
Don’t let an incorrect police report damage your case. If you are disputing a police report, we recommend you remain polite and factual, and act quickly.
- Act quickly: If you need to adjust your report, it’s important to start the process with haste. Officers may forget details of your case, or become unwilling to adjust an old report if they’ve moved on to other cases.
- Provide documentation: Law enforcement officers are more likely to accept your requests for changes if you are able to provide documentation to dispute their reported inaccuracies. Provide photos, videos, testimonies, or other evidence to prove your point.
- Remain polite: This may seem like a given, but politeness can go a long way if you need to change a police report. Dealing with errors and inaccuracies can be tedious, and even irritating, but respect and politeness can help you when working with a police officer.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash, then you need an experienced Austin car accident lawyer on your side. At Stewart Law Firm, we have represented thousands of accident victims, and we are prepared to stand by your side and put up an aggressive fight advocating for you and your family.
Don’t let people take from you more than they should. Contact The Stewart Law Firm today to set up your initial consultation.
