If someone else caused a car accident in Richardson that hurt you or a loved one, your next steps matter. Mistakes made right after the crash or in the days that follow can lower the chances of getting money for your medical bills, missed work, and vehicle repairs. Even small slip-ups might cost you a lot down the line.
If you’re dealing with injuries or losses because of a car accident in Richardson, you need to understand the 7 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Richardson to protect yourself and your ability to obtain compensation.
Read on to learn what not to do following a car accident and how an attorney can make a big difference in your case. For advice and guidance about your situation, contact a car accident attorney near you for a free consultation.
7 mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Richardson
- Leaving the scene without gathering photos, witness contacts, or a police report weakens your case.
- Talking too soon to insurance adjusters, admitting fault, or giving statements can hurt your claim.
- Delaying or skipping medical treatment gives insurers a reason to question your injuries.
- Missing insurance deadlines or the two-year Texas lawsuit deadline may end your right to compensation.
- Accepting a low settlement offer before knowing the full impact of your injuries is risky.
- Failing to document expenses, pain, lost work, and communications makes it harder to prove your losses.
- Handling your case alone, without a lawyer, increases your chances of errors or unfair payouts.
Mistake #1 – Leaving the Scene Without Proper Documentation
Leaving the scene of a car accident in Richardson without gathering enough information can harm your claim. What you collect at the scene often provides the foundation for your case.
Taking Insufficient Photos
A camera on your phone serves as a powerful tool at an accident scene. Take many photos. Capture the entire scene from different angles, showing the positions of all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks. Zoom in on damage to all vehicles involved, making sure to photograph license plates. Additionally, photograph any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained.
Failing to Get Complete Contact Information
You need contact information from everyone involved. Get the names, phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance information from all drivers. Ask for the names and contact details of any passengers in their vehicles. If witnesses stopped, make sure to get their names and phone numbers too. Witnesses often provide unbiased accounts of what happened, which can be very important later.
Not Calling Police When Required
Texas law requires you to call the police after an accident if someone suffers injuries or dies, or if vehicle damage appears to exceed $1,000. Even if it seems minor, calling the Richardson Police Department creates an official accident report. This report details the officers’ observations, witness statements, and sometimes even a preliminary determination of fault. An official police report gives a strong, independent record of the accident.
Mistake #2 – Saying the Wrong Thing to the Insurance Company
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. What you say, or don’t say, to them directly affects your case.
Admitting Fault or Blame
After a car accident, it feels natural to apologize, but even saying “I’m sorry” to the other driver or an insurance adjuster can hurt your claim. These seemingly innocent phrases can imply that you accept blame for the accident. Stick to the facts when speaking about the incident. You simply report what happened, not what you think caused it.
Giving Recorded Statements Too Early
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements shortly after an accident. You do not have to give one immediately. Your injuries might not be fully apparent yet, and you may not remember all the details clearly. Politely decline a recorded statement until you speak with an attorney. Your legal representative can help you understand your rights regarding these statements and prepare you if one becomes necessary later.
Discussing Your Injuries Prematurely
When an insurance adjuster asks about your injuries, avoid saying “I’m fine” or downplaying your pain. Adrenaline after an accident can mask symptoms. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding often do not show up immediately. Always seek medical attention first. Once doctors evaluate you, then you can discuss your medical condition with an attorney.
Mistake #3 – Delaying Medical Treatment
Delaying medical treatment after a car accident can significantly damage your health and your injury claim.
Ignoring “Minor” Pain and Symptoms
Sometimes, after a collision on a street like Main Street or Plano Road, you might feel a little sore but think it will pass. However, seemingly minor pain or stiffness can indicate serious underlying injuries that worsen over time.
A headache after a bump to the head could be a concussion. Back pain could signal a spinal injury. Prompt medical evaluation creates a clear record of your injuries, linking them directly to the accident. This record becomes critical for your claim.
Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
Once you start treatment, follow your doctor’s instructions. Skipping follow-up appointments or physical therapy sessions creates gaps in your medical records. Insurance companies use these gaps to argue your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that something else caused them.
Consistent medical care not only helps you heal but also builds strong evidence for your case.
Mistake #4 – Missing Critical Deadlines
Strict deadlines apply to car accident claims. Missing them can mean losing your right to pursue compensation.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. While exceptions exist, counting on them is risky. Missing this deadline means a court will almost certainly dismiss your case, regardless of how strong your claim might be.
Insurance Claim Deadlines vs. Lawsuit Deadlines
Insurance policies also have their own reporting deadlines. These are usually much shorter than the statute of limitations. Failing to report an accident to your own insurance company within their specified timeframe can affect your coverage, even if the other driver was at fault.
Mistake #5 – Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies rarely offer a fair amount in their first settlement offer.
Why Initial Offers Are Usually Low
Insurance companies operate to make a profit. They often try to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount. Their initial offer may not account for the full extent of your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, or the lasting impact of your injuries. They might use various formulas to calculate an offer that benefits them, not you.
Understanding Your Full Damages
Many different types of damages can come from a car accident. These include immediate medical bills, future medical care, lost income from time off work, and potential loss of future earning ability. You also consider non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, and mental anguish. A thorough evaluation of all your damages ensures you seek adequate payment for your losses.
Mistake #6 – Not Having the Right Documentation
Successful personal injury claims rely on thorough documentation. You need organized records to show what happened and how it affected you.
Medical Records and Bills
Keep every medical record related to your accident injuries. This includes doctor’s notes, hospital records, prescription receipts, and therapy bills. Organize these documents chronologically. They show the progression of your injuries, the treatment you received, and the costs incurred. Without complete medical documentation, proving the extent of your injuries and their relation to the accident becomes harder.
Financial Documentation
Proof of financial losses goes beyond medical bills. Collect pay stubs, tax returns, and employer letters to document lost wages. Get repair estimates for your vehicle or receipts for rental cars. Keep records of any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident, like transportation costs for medical appointments or adaptive equipment purchases. This financial evidence directly supports your claim for economic damages.
Communication Records
Maintain a detailed record of all communications. This includes emails, letters, and notes from phone calls with insurance companies, the other driver, and medical providers. If you exchanged text messages with the other driver at the scene, preserve them. Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries also provide compelling visual proof. Organize all these records so you can easily access them when needed.
Mistake #7 – Trying to Handle Everything Alone
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident alone, especially when recovering from injuries, presents difficulties.
The Complexity of Personal Injury Law
Texas personal injury law has many rules and procedures. For example, Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your ability to recover compensation depends on your percentage of fault. If a jury finds you 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
Understanding how this applies to your case, interpreting insurance policies, and knowing all the legal deadlines requires specific knowledge.
Dealing with Multiple Insurance Companies
Sometimes, several insurance companies become involved, such as the at-fault driver’s insurer, your own auto insurer, and potentially your health insurance company. Coordinating benefits, resolving medical liens, and managing subrogation claims can be quite confusing.
An experienced attorney can handle these interactions, protecting your interests and preventing you from inadvertently harming your claim.
What to Do If You Were Injured in Someone Else’s Car Accident
If someone else’s negligence causes yours or a family member’s injuries in a Richardson car accident, you may be entitled to sue for damages. Taking specific steps right away protects your rights and your potential claim.
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights
After ensuring safety at the accident scene and calling 911 if necessary, focus on preserving evidence. Take photos and gather contact information as discussed earlier. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention immediately. Paramedics can assess you at the scene, or you can go to an urgent care center or emergency room. Early medical evaluation helps diagnose injuries that might not be immediately obvious.
Communicating with Insurance Companies
Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly as required by your policy. When the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, remember you do not have to provide a recorded statement or detailed information about your injuries. Refer them to your attorney. Your attorney can manage all communications, ensuring you do not say anything that could hurt your claim.
Building Your Case for Maximum Compensation
To build a strong case for payment, document everything. Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses. Track any time you miss from work and gather proof of your income. Write down how your injuries affect your daily life and your ability to do things you once enjoyed. Consistent documentation strengthens your case and helps demonstrate the full impact of the accident on your life.
How Our Richardson Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
Our Richardson personal injury attorneys can help you avoid mistakes that may harm your claim and improve your odds of obtaining the maximum compensation available.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We thoroughly investigate your accident—even in complex cases like those involving drunk drivers—by gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, and collecting any available surveillance footage, especially from busy areas like the intersection of Campbell Road and Coit Road.
We can work with accident reconstruction experts to understand exactly how the collision occurred. We also consult with medical professionals to fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term effects.
Insurance Negotiation and Litigation
Insurance companies use many tactics to minimize payouts. We understand these tactics and will strongly negotiate on your behalf. We present a clear, well-supported case for payment, demonstrating the other party’s fault and the full extent of your damages.
If the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we prepare to take your case to court, advocating for your rights before a judge and jury.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process
From ensuring compliance with the statute of limitations to handling complex medical liens, we protect your rights at every stage. We work to ensure you receive payment that covers your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other losses you experienced.
Our goal is to achieve an outcome that provides for your current and future needs, allowing you to focus on your recovery without added financial stress.
Don’t Delay – Act Now
Time is a concern after a car accident. Evidence can disappear, witness memories fade, and insurance companies move quickly to limit their payments. Legal deadlines also create pressure.
Contact Our Richardson Car Accident Lawyers Today
At AMS Law Group, we understand the stress and difficulties a car accident brings. We focus on helping individuals like you pursue compensation for injuries and losses caused by another party’s negligence. Contact us now for a no-cost case evaluation, where we listen to your story, explain your legal options, and answer your questions.
We can provide the peace of mind and professional guidance you need during this time, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Richardson Car Accidents
Do I need a lawyer if the other driver admits fault?
Even if the other driver admits fault, having a lawyer helps immensely. An admission of fault is one thing; getting fair payment for your injuries and losses is another. Insurance companies may still try to minimize the amount they pay, regardless of fault. An attorney ensures you pursue full compensation for all your damages.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas law uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can still recover compensation even if you share some blame for the accident, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. The amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault, you would receive 80% of the total damages. An attorney helps explain how this rule applies to your unique situation.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means you do not pay any upfront fees. Our legal fees are a percentage of the compensation we help you obtain. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not pay us attorney fees. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without worrying about hourly rates or large retainers.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, your uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy may apply. These coverages protect you when the other driver cannot pay for your damages. We can help you understand your policy and pursue a claim against your own insurance company if applicable.
How long does a car accident case typically take?
The duration of a car accident case varies widely. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, complex liability, or extensive negotiations can take a year or more. The time frame also depends on how quickly you complete medical treatment and if the case goes to litigation.