Causing car accidents and what Not to Say After a Houston car accident
At least one person is killed in a motor vehicle collision every 2 hours and 36 minutes in the state of Texas, according to a Texas Department of Transportation report.
This figure is based on car crash reports in 2013 when a total of 89,270 people suffered serious injury and 3,377 died as a result of motor vehicle accidents which include car accidents. Total injuries, including serious injuries, reached 232,041.
In most cases, car crashes were due to a party driving under the influence of alcohol or distracted driving.
Highlights of the latest crash report:
- More than half of fatal motor vehicle accidents occurred in rural areas
- Drunk driving crashes often happen between 2 a.m. to 2:59 a.m. and on a Saturday
- More than 700 people were injured in crashes at intersections
- The month of June, 2013 had the highest number of motor vehicle fatalities
- At least one person is killed every day in a motor vehicle accident in Texas
Compensation for Car Collisions in Texas
The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code allows injured persons and heirs of car accident fatalities to sue a party whose fault, negligence, wrongful act, carelessness, and default caused the accident, for damages.
If you or a loved one is involved in an auto crash, your personal injury lawyer in Houston, Texas can help you obtain compensation by:
- Proving the extent of your injuries
- Establishing the necessity of medical care or therapy
- Proving your economic losses such as lost hours at work and earnings
- Establish your non-economic injuries such as physical pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of companionship, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life
Texas laws further require motor vehicle owners to obtain adequate insurance to cover accidents. Filing a claim with the insurer is a legal option; however, insurance companies, even your own insurer, ordinarily seek ways to minimize their costs by offering less than fair amounts to accident claimants.
Your car wreck attorney can help by negotiating on your behalf or when an amicable settlement is not possible, they may file the appropriate lawsuit before the action for damages expires.
In Texas, the law firm of Charles J. Argento & Associates has more than 36 years of proven experience in personal injury cases, including car accident claims. Mr. Argento is also a recipient of the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings AV Classification.
What You Should Never Say After a Houston Car Crash
The first thing every driver thinks to say after a Houston vehicle collision is, “I’m sorry!”
Don’t. Saying I’m sorry can be construed as taking the blame for the crash, which can be detrimental to your recovery options.
Other familiar words and phrases that you should avoid after being involved in a Texas car accident include:
- My apologies.
- I did not see you.
- It was my fault.
- I did not realize how fast I was going.
- I should have been paying more attention.
- I was attending to my kids.
- I did not see the stop sign.
- I did not see the light change.
- My dog/passenger obstructed my view.
- You did not do anything wrong.
Keep in mind, you can still be courteous to everyone involved without admitting fault.
What To Do After Talking to the Other Driver(s) Involved in the Collision
While you are waiting for the police and first responders to arrive, avoid saying too much about the crash, and make sure that any statement you make is factual.
Avoid making any assumptions or expressing an opinion about how the collision occurred or blaming the other driver.
The police will investigate the crash and determine who is at fault, and the police report will be used as evidence to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver.
Allow the paramedics to assess your injuries at the scene, and transport you to the hospital when necessary. If you choose to leave on your own, seek medical care right away for your injuries, and follow all doctor’s orders going forward.
You are legally required to report any car accident in which you are involved to your insurance provider. However, you need to be especially careful about what you say to your representative and the other driver’s insurance company.
The at-fault driver’s insurance agent will ask leading questions and will record your call. They will use all their training to manipulate your statement. Say as little as possible to avoid implicating yourself and contact our skilled Houston car accident attorneys today to take the lead.
Contact Our Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas for Help
If you were injured in a vehicle collision because of another driver’s negligence in Texas, contact our experienced personal injury attorney in Houston at Charles J. Argento today to schedule a free consultation by calling 713-225-5050 or by contacting us online.
Our law firm does not get paid until we obtain a settlement or verdict for you and will keep you updated during each stage of your case, so you know what to expect as the case moves forward.