Being in a car accident is definitely an unpleasant experience for both parties. However, each and every one of us should be aware of the rights we have if the accident is not our fault. When we are the damaged part, the insurance company or law will be on our side. So, let's go through some car accident facts, statistics and causes that you should know if you are a part of a U.S. auto accident.
US Auto Accidents
We have to agree that car accidents happen so much that every second person has been a part of a car crash. In the U.S. there are about six million car accidents every year and 90 US citizens lose their lives to car crashes daily.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents are:
- aggressive or distracted driving;
- drugs and alcohol abuse;
- not following signs and signals;
- speeding;
- inexperienced driving;
- improper turns.
So, some of the tips to avoid car accidents are to:
- never drink and drive;
- keep your eyes on the road;
- don't drive late at night or fast if you're inexperienced;
- don't use your cell phone while driving;
- follow the rules of the road.
The fatality rate varies from state to state, with Texas being at the peak of the list. In fact, around 3000 people are killed in Texas car accidents annually, and the numbers are rising. This is the exact reason why states such as Texas are leaning onto technology for accident reports. In fact, the police can't be present on both major and minor crash scenes and that is why filing and checking reports are done online. So, if you've had a minor car crash in Texas and the police didn't come to the car crash scene you have to file an accident report by yourself. Through the CRIS data system, you can file your own Texas accident report quickly. Therefore, you'll eventually escape waiting in lines at the police station. On the other hand, if the police do come to the crash scene, you can also use the CRIS system to check the accident report about your case online.
Steps You Should Take If the Car Accident Wasn't Your Fault
If you happen to be a part of a car accident, sometimes you might not be aware whose fault it was, because you'll be in shock. However, after a while there are some steps that you should follow, so things turn out in your favor.
1. Check Yourself for Injuries
First of all, right after the car crash, you should check if you can stand up and walk. Within the following minutes of a car crash, our bodies are in shock and sometimes we might not feel the injuries. This is why you should get out of the car and see if you have any visual injuries. If you do, call the emergency and take pictures of the wounded parts of your body.
2. Call the Police
It's your responsibility to call the police once you've been in a car accident. Even though it might be a minor accident, informing the police is the right thing to do. If the car accident wasn't your fault, talking to the police and staying at the crash scene will speed up the insurance claim. If a minor car crash happened at a frequent road, you should move your vehicle in order not to disrupt the traffic flow. However, don't leave the car crash scene.
3. Collect Evidence from the Car Crash Scene
The third thing you should do after a car crash is to collect any evidence that will indicate the car crash was not your fault. Make sure to write down all the details concerning the car accident, including:
- The name, address and contact info of the other driver
- The state the other driver was in (drunk, aggressive, distracted by other passengers or phone, etc. )
- The driving conditions (weather, traffic jam, etc.)
- The model and condition of the cars
- The damage of your car (you can take photos of it)
- Any injuries that you might be facing (take photos of the injuries as well)
- Talk to witnesses, get their contact info and record a short video of their version of the car crash
Once you have all this info, you can tell the police what actually happened and show real evidence. This way you can prove that you weren't guilty.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible will help you sort things out easier. This way they can act fast if the other driver's insurance company denies claiming responsibility. In this case, your insurance can decide whether they'll cover the damage, sue the other insurance company or try to get to a settlement that will work for both parts. If there isn't a consensus, then you'll have to take things into your hands. So, the next step would be a legal suit against the other driver's insurance company. This is when you should get a legal attorney.
5. Get a Car Accident Attorney
Contacting a car accident attorney to help you solve the case is sometimes the last option to sort things out. If you can't agree on an option that will work for both parts, then you can legally prove that the accident wasn't your fault. As a result, you'll get compensation for the damage.
Final Thoughts
Being a part of a car accident can be traumatic for both parts, no matter whose fault it was. It can be shocking for witnesses as well. The first thing that you should do after a car crash, is to check on yourself and make sure you are safe and sound. Once you figure out that you are alright, you should go on and call the police, your insurance company and contact an attorney.
At the car crash scene, it's important to take notes of every single detail. Make sure to take photos and videos of all the evidence that shows the car crash wasn't your fault. This includes videos of witnesses that will tell the story about the car crash in your favor.
