Steps to Take After a Car Accident
in Corpus Christi

What to Do After a Car Accident in Corpus Christi

Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, yet they can have long-lasting consequences. It could be a high-speed collision on I-37, a multi-vehicle pileup on Padre Island Drive, or a more “minor” crash on a residential road. The moments after a wreck can be overwhelming and confusing, but if you want to protect your safety and your legal rights, it’s crucial to take quick, deliberate action.

At The Patel Firm, we’re frequently approached with the same question: “I had a car accident that wasn’t my fault — what do I do next?” Our team is here to guide you through the steps you can take to secure the healthcare you need and build a strong personal injury claim after someone else’s carelessness upends your life. Here’s what to do after a car accident in Corpus Christi.

Key Things to Know If You Have a Car Accident in Texas

Every car accident case is influenced by a few different rules that you need to understand before pursuing your claim. They include the following:

Texas Is an At-Fault State – In at-fault states, the driver who causes the accident is responsible for paying compensation for the injuries and damage they caused. Their insurance should cover the losses.
Insurance Companies Are Only Responsible for Paying Up to the Policy’s Limit – Each insurance policy has a limit. Once a claim reaches that limit, the insurer no longer has to pay for the damage the at-fault party caused.
Texas Uses a Modified Comparative Negligence System – If you are partly responsible for the accident, the comparative negligence rule will reduce your compensation in proportion to your fault. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.

What You Should Do at the Scene of a Car Accident

While you may feel disoriented and overwhelmed immediately after a car accident, it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure your safety and build a strong claim for the compensation you deserve. The following is what to do when in a car wreck:

Remain at the Scene – Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to criminal charges. Stay until authorities arrive, even if the crash seems minor.
Check for Injuries – Immediately assess yourself and any passengers. If anyone is seriously injured, your next step should be to call 911 and request medical assistance right away.
Call the Police – A police report can help support your car accident claim by providing your attorney with crucial details about the crash. If officers are unable to reach the scene, report the accident to the local police department.
Move to a Safe Place – If you can safely move your vehicle, pull over to the shoulder or to an area out of the way of other moving vehicles. This is especially critical on busy roadways such as US-181 or the Crosstown Expressway.
Take Pictures and Video – If you can, document vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, accident debris, traffic signs and signals, the surrounding area, and visible injuries. Visual confirmation of your version of events can be compelling evidence.
Exchange Information – Collect the names, contact info, license and plate numbers, and insurance details of all parties involved, as well as contact information of any witnesses.
Notify Your Insurance Company Within 24 Hours – Your insurance policy likely requires prompt notification of any accidents that occur. Let your insurer know, but only offer the basic facts; do not speculate or admit fault.
Contact an Experienced Corpus Christi Auto Accident Lawyer – A skilled local attorney can lead you through the legal process, investigate the accident, deal with insurers, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Contact one as soon as you’re able.

Information You Should Collect at a Car Accident Scene

Collecting as much information as possible at the accident scene provides a strong foundation on which your lawyer can build your case. It can also prevent the other driver from avoiding liability. Be sure to collect the following at the scene of a car accident in Corpus Christi:

Names and Contact Information – Collect full names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of all involved parties and accident witnesses. This allows your attorney and insurance company to reach the right people quickly.
Insurance Information – Insurance details are essential for filing a claim, whether with the other party’s insurer or your own. Gather the company name and policy numbers of everyone involved in the accident, even if you don’t think they caused it.
Car Registration Information – Record the car’s make, model, year, and registration details. This identifies the vehicles involved and can support your claim if the other driver disputes details.
License Plate Number – Plate numbers are essential for identification and insurance purposes. When you report the accident to your insurer, they will need this to process your claim.
Driver’s License Number – While the license is important for identification, it also confirms that the driver carries a valid driver’s license, which may affect liability.
Passenger Information – Collect names, addresses, and contact info of any passengers, as they may serve as witnesses with valuable testimony when pursuing your claim.
Other Witness Names – Witnesses can verify your account of the accident and lend credibility to your claim. Collect their names and contact information.

I met Patel after my son and my grandparents got in a wreck. He was great and made everything super easy. Even after the wreck I always call him now whenever I have a problem. He explains everything and will help you with anything you need. He’s easy to talk too and always makes you really comfortable.

Christina Balbin

Corpus Christi, Texas

What a great job helping me with my case! I was always communicated with in a timely fashion, which is all one can ask. I’m blown away and will definitely recommend the Patel Firm to any and all of my friends and colleagues. Keep it up!

Jeff McDonald

Dallas, Texas

Since I’ve met Patel after I got hit by a company car he took care of me 100%. I call him and he always makes sure I understand. Don’t know what I’d do without his help. He has my back. Great attorney!

Ashley Valdez

Corpus Christi, Texas

“They treated me with a lot of respect and they kept me informed the whole time.”

Mariana Sanchez

“They guided us through it all; we would have been lost without them.”

Josue Rodriguez

“When they’re with you, they’re with you — and they’re like family.”

Creon Martin

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Mistakes to Avoid Following Your Accident

Knowing what to do after a car accident that was not your fault is essential, but so is knowing what not to do. You can significantly damage your claim by saying the wrong thing, making the wrong social media post, or failing to take a necessary step. The following is what to watch for after a car accident:

Don’t Put Off Getting Medical Care, Even If You Feel OK

Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, don’t necessarily show symptoms right away. Seeking prompt medical care can help catch these issues early and protect your health. Your doctor’s visit also creates vital documentation linking the accident to your injuries and preventing insurers from claiming you weren’t hurt in the crash.

Do Not Admit Fault

Many people feel an urge to accept some of the blame after an accident or apologize to the other driver. In truth, you don’t have the information needed to make an accurate fault assessment immediately after a crash, and anything you say may be used against you later on. Never admit fault to the involved parties or any insurance companies.

Do Not Agree to Provide a Written or Recorded Statement

Insurance companies may contact you requesting a statement about the accident. They may even make it seem like you must offer a statement for the claim to proceed. This is a tactic designed to twist your own words against you, weakening your claim and minimizing your payout. You are not obligated to offer any recorded or written statements, and doing so can only harm your case.

Do Not Post Anything on Social Media

Insurance companies will dig through your social media accounts for anything that might contradict your claim. Often, the “contradictions” they find are things you wouldn’t expect, which is why it’s important to never post about the accident on social media. Preferably, don’t post at all until after your case’s resolution.

Don’t Take the First Settlement Offer You Receive

Understanding the full extent and impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances can take time. Insurers attempt to exploit this fact and protect their profits by offering quick, lowball settlements that will prevent you from pursuing a larger amount of compensation when you realize the true extent of the losses the at-fault party caused.

Don’t Try to Handle Your Claim Without a Corpus Christi Car Accident Lawyer

Pursuing a car accident claim can be challenging without the guidance of an experienced lawyer. Your attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, counter insurance company tactics, assess the full value of your claim, and help you avoid critical errors.

Why You Need a Corpus Christi Car Accident Attorney

A skilled attorney can be your strongest ally when you’re pursuing a car accident claim. We at The Patel Firm can help, as we offer the following:

Free Case Review – Our lawyers can sit down with you to discuss the details of your case and inform you of your legal options, free of charge.
In-Depth Investigation – We obtain police reports, interview witnesses, gather medical and financial records, seek surveillance footage, and work with experts to build the strongest case possible.
Personalized Representation – You’re not just another case number with us. We provide strong yet personalized representation tailored to your needs and goals.
Strong Communication – Our team prioritizes consistent, clear communication. We’re available 24/7 and have a quick response time for calls, messages, and emails.
Dealing with Insurers – Insurance company tactics don’t work on an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights by handling all communications with the insurance company.
Negotiating and Litigating – Your attorney will advocate aggressively on your behalf at the negotiating table. If a settlement can’t be reached, they will file a lawsuit and take your claim to court.
No Fee Unless We Win – You pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case. If we can take your case, we will prepare and try it at no expense to you, with any fees paid to the firm as a percentage of the recovery.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Corpus Christi Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights and advise you about what to do if in a wreck. At The Patel Firm, our team has an extensive track record of success in holding negligent drivers accountable for the damage they cause in the Coastal Bend region and throughout Texas. We will fight for the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Corpus Christi