If you are involved in a car accident on the interstate, prioritize your safety first. Interstate crashes are especially dangerous because traffic usually continues passing by at high speeds, increasing the risk of another collision.
Move out of the way of traffic, contact the authorities, and make sure every injured party receives medical care. Once you are safe, you can document the scene, exchange information, and take other appropriate steps to protect your interests.
Move to a Safe Place and Contact the Police
Interstate traffic can keep moving at high speeds around a crash, putting drivers and passengers at risk of another collision. If you can do so safely, move your vehicle to the shoulder or another safe area and turn on your hazard lights.
Call 911 and follow directions from police officers, firefighters, or other emergency personnel. Stay away from moving traffic, and do not put yourself at risk to photograph the crash or collect evidence. Keep in mind that, under state law, leaving the scene of an accident without first reporting it can lead to serious penalties.
Document the Interstate Accident Scene
Once you are in a safe location, document the crash scene, but be mindful of moving traffic and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way. Useful evidence that will support your case includes:
- Photographs: Use your phone to photograph damaged vehicles and the surrounding road conditions. Take a photo of the other vehicles’ license plate numbers, drivers’ licenses, and insurance cards.
- Videos: You can also use your phone to take videos of traffic signs, lane markings, and roadways.
- Witnesses: Gather contact information from any witnesses who stop to assist with the accident scene.
- Dashcam footage: Ask whether any of the vehicles involved have dashcams.
Interstates may also have surveillance or traffic cameras that capture the area around an accident. That footage is usually only available for a limited time, as it is often recycled quickly. If there are surveillance or traffic cameras, time is of the essence, and submitting a request for the footage should be a priority after an interstate accident.
Report Your Interstate Accident to the Proper Authorities
Under state laws, you are required to report the accident immediately to the appropriate law enforcement agency. If you are in an accident on the interstate, when you call the police, give as much information about your location as you can, including the highway, direction of travel, nearest exit, mile marker, or a recognizable landmark.
Once the police are involved, they prepare an accident report that will become important to your case, as it will provide important details and evidence should you need to file a claim. If you need help reporting the incident, contact our Texas car accident attorneys at Shamieh Law.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
When exchanging information with other parties involved in your interstate crash, ask for:
- Their full name
- Phone number
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
If the other party doesn’t have insurance, and you need to make a claim you might still be able to file a claim with your own insurance. If possible, also get the other vehicle’s make, model, year, and color, as well as the license plate number and the state it is registered in. You can also request the vehicle identification number (VIN), if available. However, when speaking with the other driver, avoid arguing about who caused the accident or making statements about fault.
Get Medical Care for Your Injuries
Seek medical care after an interstate accident, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries may not cause noticeable symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can identify problems that may otherwise go untreated and worsen over time. Follow any and all medical recommendations given to you by your healthcare provider and keep records of your visits, diagnoses, treatment, and related expenses.
Be Careful What You Say After an Accident and Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies if Possible
Understandably, emotions run high immediately after a collision. However, be careful what to say to others after a crash. When discussing the incident, you should:
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the crash.
- When speaking with insurers and police officers, stick to the facts.
- Avoid posting photos, videos, or details about the crash on social media
An insurance company often tries to pay as little as possible for a claim. They will ask you questions after a crash that support their interests. Any statements you make can be used to minimize your claim. A car accident attorney can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf and help protect your rights while your claim is being evaluated.
Call Shamieh Law for Help With Your Interstate Car Accident Claim
After an interstate accident, our legal team can investigate what happened, identify the parties who may be responsible, and explain your legal options. Evidence, including video footage and other records, may not remain available for long, so contacting a lawyer right away can help protect your claim.
At Shamieh Law, we represent car accident victims throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, and can handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. We offer free initial consultations and case evaluations. To schedule your free appointment, contact us through our website or call us at 337-435-8071 to discuss your accident and learn about the options available to you.