If you have been involved in a minor car accident or fender bender in Texas, you might not need to hire a lawyer. You may be able to handle the insurance claim on your own as long as things stay simple. However, not all minor car accident claims are as straightforward as they might seem.
Keep reading below to learn all the details about when you might need a lawyer after a minor car accident.
Common Types of Minor Car Accidents
Minor car accidents happen all the time, and some of these accidents result in almost no damage.
Some common examples include:
- Fender benders
- Low-speed rear-end crashes
- Parking lot accidents
- Side-swipe accidents
If your accident resulted in only minor damage and no injuries, then you likely don’t even need to hire a lawyer. Even if you suffered a minor injury, a lawyer may not be needed as long as the insurance company accepts liability and offers you a fair settlement. However, things can quickly get complex even after a seemingly minor accident.
When You Should Talk to a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident
Even if your accident seems minor, there are times when hiring a personal injury lawyer is certainly in your best interest.
You should talk to a lawyer if your accident involves:
- Serious injuries, like brain injuries, broken bones, or injuries requiring surgery
- Questions of liability
- Multiple defendants
- Passengers who were injured
- Damages exceeding the insurance policy limits
Navigating these complex issues successfully requires extensive experience and an in-depth knowledge of Texas personal injury law. Otherwise, the insurance company may try and take advantage of you with a lowball settlement offer.
Do I Need to Report a Minor Car Accident to the Police?
Texas law requires you to stop your vehicle at the scene of an accident. Just because the accident may seem “minor,” you are still required to stop. Additionally, most accidents in Texas must be reported.
Your accident must be reported if it results in:
- Injury
- Death
- Property damage of more than $1,000
Even minor damage can easily exceed $1,000, so most minor accidents still need to be reported. If you call the police after your accident, the responding officer will complete the report for you.
What to Do After a Minor Car Accident in Texas
After an accident, your adrenaline usually starts pumping, and you might not be thinking straight. It is important to remain calm and follow these steps:
Check for Injuries
If you or anyone else is injured, immediately call 911. You should seek medical treatment right away for any injuries you sustained in the crash. Failure to seek treatment could hurt your injury claim later.
Notify the Police
Most accidents must be reported anyway, so it is usually a good idea to call the police. An officer will respond to the scene and create an accident report, which may be needed as evidence during the claims process.
Exchange Information
You will want to exchange information with the other driver after your accident. This includes information such as:
- Name
- Phone number
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance information
If the other driver refuses or is belligerent, just wait for the police to arrive. The responding officer can collect all the necessary information.
Gather Evidence
If you are able, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Document details such as the time, weather conditions, and other aspects of the scene. Take photos of all the vehicles involved as well as your injuries. This evidence can help prove your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know that you have been involved in an accident. However, you should avoid giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you speak with a lawyer. Insurance companies are out to protect their bottom line, and the things that you say after an accident could be used against you to minimize your claim.
Contact our Corpus Christi Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C., for a Free Consultation
If you have been involved in a minor car accident, a Corpus Christi car accident lawyer can ensure you are not being taken advantage of. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so it will not cost you anything to learn more about your legal options. Call the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C., to schedule a free consultation.