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A car accident can be overwhelming. In the moments after the crash, you may have trouble thinking straight. You may be angry. You may be in pain. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we understand what victims go through after an accident.
It’s very important to take a few steps after an accident to make sure your rights are protected. We would like to offer the following tips about what you can do after a car accident. Feel free to print out this page and keep a copy in your glove box.
Shock and adrenaline surge through your body the moment two vehicles collide. These natural responses can cloud judgment, causing people to omit key details or say things that hurt their claim later. Take a deep breath, count to ten, and focus on safety first. By remaining calm, you’ll remember to call 911, gather evidence, and avoid emotional arguments that insurers might twist against you. Staying level-headed also helps when dealing with police officers, medical personnel, and witnesses. A clear head now can protect your legal rights for months to come and help ensure a stronger, more organized case.
Well-meaning drivers often sabotage their own cases in the minutes after a crash. For example, admitting fault by saying something like “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you”, declining medical care because they feel “fine,” or leaving the scene briefly to move a car can all reduce compensation. Even small talk with the other driver’s insurer may be recorded and used to minimize payouts. The best practice? Exchange only essential information with the other driver, seek medical evaluation, and let your lawyer handle the negotiations.
Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until several hours or even days after the accident. Visiting a doctor immediately creates a medical record that ties those injuries to the crash, blocking insurers from arguing they arose elsewhere. Be sure to describe every ache or symptom, no matter how minor, and follow all recommended treatment plans. Consistent documentation not only speeds your recovery but also strengthens any future personal-injury claim.
Hit-and-run and uninsured-motorist accidents require extra vigilance. Write down or photograph the license plate as quickly as possible, note the vehicle’s make, model, and color, and collect witness statements. Texas drivers can turn to their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for medical bills and vehicle repairs, but strict deadlines apply. Reporting the crash to police and your insurer within 24 hours is essential to keep that coverage intact.
Adjusters contact victims early, sometimes the same day, to “check on how you’re feeling.” Their real goal is to record statements that limit their company’s liability. They may ask leading questions about speed, distraction, or prior injuries. Politely decline and provide your attorney’s contact information instead. Allowing a legal professional to handle these communications ensures facts are presented accurately and prevents inadvertent admissions that could slash your settlement.
Most car-accident claims settle through insurance, but severe injuries, disputed liability, or bad-faith denials might require litigation. Filing a lawsuit allows for the discovery process, which requires the other party to produce evidence such as phone records or maintenance logs. This step can lead to higher compensation for long-term medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC prepares every claim as if trial were inevitable, giving insurers a reason to offer fair settlements sooner.
Following a car accident in El Paso, prioritizing your health and safety is key, but it’s equally important to understand your rights and the steps toward legal recovery. The path post-accident involves more than addressing injuries or vehicle damage; it navigates through insurance claims and potential legal disputes. Texas law offers protections to accident victims, including compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain. Yet, claiming these rights can be complex, especially with insurance adjusters aiming to reduce payouts. It’s crucial to be cautious in your interactions post-accident. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer before engaging with insurance companies or settling can ensure your rights are fully protected and you’re guided appropriately through the process.
Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC. Call 915-333-3333, or contact us online. A tough-minded auto accident attorney in El Paso is ready to answer your questions and discuss your best course of action. With our personal injury attorneys on your side, you can tell the insurance companies you mean business.
Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...
We are experienced El Paso personal injury lawyers. Give us a call and you’ll be taken care of! (915) 333-3333
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