Car accidents are often overwhelming and disorientating for those involved, leaving people unsure about what to do in the aftermath. One of the most important things that you can do after a car accident is exchange personal information with the other driver and the individuals involved. The information that you exchange and collect can be significantly beneficial for any insurance or legal action that you may take later on. To learn more and secure skilled representation, reach out to a knowledgeable Corpus Christi, Texas car accident lawyer today.
What Information Should I Exchange With the Other Driver After an Accident?
The expectations for what drivers should do after being involved in an auto collision are enshrined in the Transportation Code § 550.023. This regulation states that drivers who know or have reason to believe that their vehicle has been involved in a collision must stop at the scene, call 911, and remain until law enforcement arrives. It also stipulates that they have a “duty to give information” to both law enforcement and the other parties involved.
The law states several pieces of information that drivers must exchange including those listed below.
- Your first and last name
- Contact information, including your home address and phone number
- A copy of your driver’s license or your driver’s license number
- Your vehicle registration information
- Your license plate number
- Your insurance information, including the company, policy number, and contact information
You should feel free to exchange whatever additional information you deem necessary, but above are the most important pieces of information to gather and share.
Why is it Important to Exchange Information?
Exchanging information with the other drivers and individuals involved in your accident is important for many reasons. You will likely want to let your insurance deal with the claims process or you may even file a lawsuit depending on the circumstances. Regardless, having this crucial information can facilitate any legal action you may take or endure.
Your insurance company will need detailed information in order to process your claim effectively. The data that you collect will help them get in contact with the other driver or their insurance provider to help expedite the process.
It is also important to exchange information to protect yourself legally. First of all, it ensures compliance with the district’s law regarding stopping at the scene of an accident, but it also can offer protection if there is a dispute over the facts or liability.
Taking the time to exchange all relevant information after a car accident is essential for protecting your legal rights and interests. To learn more about your options after a collision, reach out to an experienced attorney at Sahadi Legal Group today.
