You never know when you might get into a car wreck in Baytown, so it can help to know what to do after. It might be along I-10 or a busy stretch near the ExxonMobil refinery, but the crash is only the beginning. Missed work can make the medical bills and insurance much worse for months following a car accident.
Our personal injury lawyer team in Baytown understands how overwhelming this process can be. If you were injured by a car wreck, knowing what to do next can make a meaningful difference to your health and financial recovery. Contact The Carlson Law Firm for compassionate help with your car wreck case.
Trust a Baytown Car Accident Lawyer
Baytown is a major industrial hub in the Houston metro area. With thousands of daily commuters and commercial vehicles traveling through the Port of Houston, there is a greater risk of serious car wrecks.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):
- Baytown typically reports around 7,000 motor-vehicle crashes each year
- More than 400 of those result in serious injuries
- Harris County consistently ranks among the highest-risk traffic areas in Texas
The I-10, Highway 146, Decker Drive and FM 565 are corridors at a high risk of car wrecks in Baytown. Specifically, Garth Road, Baker Road and Rollingbrook Drive have frequent congestion-related car accidents.
With industrial expansion and construction zones, Baytown has an increased number of commercial vehicle accidents. As the area continues to grow, drivers face more risks on the road. If you were in an accident, The Carlson Law Firm is here to be your car wreck attorney that cares.
What Comes Next After a Car Accident in Baytown
Step 1: Check Yourself for Injuries and Dial 911
Our car wreck attorneys care about your safety, so the first thing you should do is make sure you and any passengers are injury-free. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there is any damage to your vehicle.
Depending on where the accident occurs, you might be assisted by the Baytown Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office or Texas DPS. If there are any injuries, make sure to also request medical aid.
Step 2: Move Somewhere Safe
If it is safe to do so and your vehicle still works, move it to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. If you can move to the shoulder, it is important to turn on your hazard lights.
This can let other drivers know to slow down or switch lanes, especially in areas with higher traffic like I-10 or Highway 330.
Step 3: Exchange Information
After a car wreck in Baytown, information is crucial. Pieces of information you should collect and share with the other driver involved are:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance carrier and policy number
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle make, model and color
When doing so, avoid making comments that could be interpreted as taking blame. Facts should be determined by facts, and emotions can run high after an accident.
Step 4: Document the Scene
There are things that can help strengthen your case or recreate the scene later. In addition to collecting information, you should use your phone to take the following pictures:
- Wide and close-up photos of vehicle damage
- Debris, skid marks and road conditions
- Traffic signals and signage
- Nearby businesses, such as the San Jacinto Mall area or the Walmart on Garth Road
- Visible injuries
- Close-up photos of license plates
If there are witnesses present, collect their statements and contact information in a note or voice memo. You should also consider leaving yourself a voice memo with details of the car accident while the events are fresh.
Step 5: File a Police Report
If police respond, they will create a Texas Peace Offer’s Crash Report. This can be important if your insurance company requires the document for claims, and it can be important evidence if fault is disputed.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention
As a car wreck attorney, we know that injuries are not always visible and may not show up right away. Concussions and soft-tissue damage are common after a car wreck, along with other TBI symptoms, but you might not feel them until the adrenaline wears off.
An immediate medical evaluation can help protect your health and create a clear link between the crash and your injuries. This is an important step for building your case with a Baytown car accident lawyer.
Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Company
Texas is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for the crash is financially liable for the damages. You do still need to let your own insurance company know as soon as possible, though. They may request:
- The other driver’s insurance information
- The police report number
- Photos and documentation from the scene
Step 8: Keep a Crash File
Staying organized can make the claims process easier and help with your case. Keep all records and documents in one place, including:
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Proof of lost income
- Estimates for vehicle repairs
- Photos and notes from the crash
- Letters from insurance companies
Your symptoms might get worse in the days following a car accident. The insurance carrier might also delay, minimize or dispute your claim. In all these scenarios, the documents in your file can become critical for your case.
Step 9: Contact a Carlson Law Firm Car Accident Lawyer in Baytown
The Carlson Law Firm has protected Texas families for almost 50 years. Our Baytown car accident attorneys serve clients injured in many vehicle-related incidents, including:
- Traffic accidents near a refinery
- Distracted driving crashes
- Drunk or impaired driving collisions
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Multivehicle collisions
- Rideshare accidents
- Claims by uninsured or underinsured drivers
Whatever the situation of your car accident, even if it involved an 18-wheeler, you can schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorney. There is no cost to begin a claim, and we do not get paid unless we win your case.
The Carlson Law Firm Cares
A car wreck in Baytown can change your life in a second and leave you dealing with pain or financial stress. Understanding your rights and speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help protect your future.
Your car accident could happen near the refineries, on I-10, along Alexander Drive or in a neighborhood near Goose Creek. No matter where your injury happens, the above steps can improve your case.
We care, and we can help. Call The Carlson Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation at (832) 806-6155.
