<strong>Overview: Carabin Shaw is one of the leading personal injury law firms in Corpus Christi. They have extensive experience in car accident cases, focusing on getting clients the compensation they deserve for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Specialization: Personal injury, car accidents, wrongful death, 18-wheeler accidents.
Website: carabinshaw.com
Why choose them?: Carabin Shaw offers a free initial consultation, and their team is known for fighting aggressively for their clients’ rights.</strong>

 

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Corpus Christi

The moments immediately following a car accident in Corpus Christi can be overwhelming and disorienting. However, the actions you take in these crucial first minutes can significantly impact your safety, your insurance claim, and your legal rights. Understanding exactly what to do—and what not to do—can protect you from costly mistakes that could jeopardize your recovery.

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call for Help

Your first priority is always safety. If you’re able to move and your vehicle is drivable, carefully move to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.

Call 911 if:

  • Anyone appears injured, even if injuries seem minor
  • Vehicles are blocking traffic or creating a hazard
  • There’s significant property damage
  • You suspect the other driver is impaired
  • The other driver is acting aggressively or erratically

In Corpus Christi, Texas law requires you to call police if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even for minor fender-benders, having an official police report can be invaluable for your insurance claim.

Step 2: Check for Injuries and Provide Aid

Once you’ve ensured the scene is safe, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, be aware that adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms. Ask passengers how they feel and observe their responses carefully.

If anyone is injured:

  • Call for emergency medical assistance immediately
  • Do not move injured persons unless they’re in immediate danger
  • Provide basic first aid only if you’re trained to do so
  • Keep injured persons calm and still until help arrives

Texas law requires drivers to render reasonable aid to injured persons, including transporting them to medical facilities if necessary and if it can be done safely.

Step 3: Document the Scene Thoroughly

Proper documentation begins at the accident scene. Use your smartphone to capture comprehensive evidence while details are fresh and before vehicles are moved.

Photograph:

  • All vehicles involved from multiple angles
  • License plates of all vehicles
  • Street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions
  • Visible injuries (with consent)
  • Skid marks, debris, and damage to the roadway or property
  • The overall accident scene from various perspectives

Take notes about:

  • Weather conditions
  • Time of day and lighting
  • Traffic conditions
  • What you remember about how the accident occurred
  • Any statements made by other drivers or witnesses

Step 4: Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Collect essential information from all drivers involved in the accident. Be courteous but avoid discussing fault or admitting responsibility. Stick to the facts.

Required information:

  • Full names and contact information
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Insurance company names and policy numbers
  • Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN
  • Location of the accident

Texas law requires drivers to provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information to other parties involved in the accident. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges.

Step 5: Gather Witness Information

Independent witnesses can provide crucial testimony if your case goes to court or if there’s a dispute about fault. Approach witnesses politely and ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they observed.

Collect from witnesses:

  • Full name and contact information
  • A brief written or recorded statement
  • Ask them to stay until police arrive, if possible

Be sure to get contact information before witnesses leave the scene, as tracking them down later can be extremely difficult.

Step 6: Interact Carefully with Police

When Corpus Christi Police Department officers arrive, cooperate fully but be mindful of your statements. Answer questions honestly but stick to factual observations rather than speculation about fault.

Do:

  • Provide your license, registration, and insurance information
  • Answer questions about what happened factually
  • Request a copy of the police report number
  • Ask the officer’s name and badge number

Don’t:

  • Admit fault or apologize
  • Speculate about what caused the accident
  • Argue with the other driver in front of the police
  • Sign anything other than required legal documents

Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require prompt notification of accidents. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally from the scene if it’s safe to do so.

When speaking with your insurer:

  • Report the accident factually
  • Provide basic information about damage and injuries
  • Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the other driver’s actions
  • Ask about your coverage limits and deductible

Step 8: Be Cautious with Other Insurance Companies

The other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly after the accident. While Texas law requires cooperation with insurance investigations, be cautious about providing detailed statements or accepting quick settlement offers.

Remember:

  • You’re not required to give a recorded statement immediately
  • Don’t accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney
  • Refer complex questions to your legal representative

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Avoid these critical errors that can damage your claim:

Admitting fault: Even saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Leaving the scene: Texas law requires you to remain at the accident scene until proper information is exchanged.

Failing to report: Not calling the police or your insurance company can complicate your claim.

Not seeking medical attention: Delaying medical care can be used against you later.

Accepting quick settlements: Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to close claims quickly.

When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Consider contacting an experienced Corpus Christi car accident attorney if:

  • You or your passengers suffered injuries
  • There’s significant property damage
  • The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
  •  Fault is disputed
  • You’re dealing with multiple insurance companies

Protecting Your Rights with Carabin Shaw PC

At Carabin Shaw PC, we understand that the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Our experienced Corpus Christi car accident attorneys have helped thousands of clients navigate the complex legal and insurance processes following accidents.

We can step in immediately to:

  • Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
  • Preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene
  • Ensure you receive proper medical evaluation and treatment
  • Protect your rights throughout the claims process

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Contact Carabin Shaw PC today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Call Carabin Shaw PC at (361) 444-1111 for your free consultation today.