A crash on the Dallas North Tollway or Interstate 35 can disrupt your daily routine, especially if you depend on your vehicle for work. Beyond dealing with injuries and vehicle damage, you may face mounting medical bills and lost income.
These five steps can help you protect your health and preserve important records:
1. Check for injuries and move to safety
After checking yourself and others for injuries, move your vehicle out of traffic if you can drive it safely. Under Texas law, drivers involved in certain freeway crashes must move their vehicles to a safer location if all vehicles can be driven normally and safely.
2. Report the crash when required
Texas law requires you to notify law enforcement immediately if someone is injured or killed, or a vehicle cannot be safely driven. Call 911 for emergencies. You must also stop, exchange required information and provide reasonable help to anyone injured.
3. Exchange information and document the scene
When conditions are safe, gather these details at the scene:
- Names, addresses and insurance information
- Vehicle registration numbers
- Photos of damage, road conditions and traffic signs
- Witness contact information and dashcam footage, if available
Together, these records can help clarify what happened if drivers or insurers give conflicting accounts of the crash.
4. Seek medical care when needed
Because some injuries may not cause immediate symptoms, a medical evaluation can help identify potential problems and document your condition.
Keep treatment records, medical bills and proof of missed work, including pay stubs or employer records. Together, these documents can show the physical and financial effects of the crash.
5. Notify your insurer and preserve your records
Report the crash according to your insurance policy’s requirements. If the other driver’s insurer asks to record your account, your statements could affect its decision about fault and the extent of your injuries. Your own insurer may also require you to provide details and cooperate with its investigation.
Protecting your health and financial interests
The decisions you make after a crash can affect your recovery and the evidence available for an insurance claim. If medical bills, lost income or disputed liability create financial uncertainty, a Dallas car accident attorney can review your records, evaluate potential claims and explain your options under Texas law.