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WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN


How to Respond in a Tough Situation

Being in a car accident is the last thing anyone wants - but when it does happen, there are ways of making sure that the legal and insurance issues are handled with as little stress as possible.

  • First of all - stay calm.
  • If someone is injured, be sure to call for medical help.
  • Make sure you call the police.
  • Don't publicly make any statements where you either accuse the other person of causing the accident or take all the blame yourself. It could open you up to legal problems.
  • Whatever you do, don't leave the scene until you've had a chance to talk with the officer and you've gotten their name. It's important to make sure that your side of the story goes on the record. Afterward, it's a good idea to get a copy of the police report.
  • Make sure you have a pre-printed copy of your insurance information in the glove compartment, along with a camera you can use to provide pictures for the insurance company. A disposable camera with a flash for nighttime or interior shooting is usually best for this.
  • In dealing with the other driver, make sure you get their name, address, driver's license number and insurance information - and that they get the same information from you.
  • Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
  • Make sure you get pictures of any physical evidence of what could have caused the accident.
  • Write down pertinent details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
  • Once the information's exchanged, report the accident to the insurance company immediately, even if it's not your fault.
  • Make sure you understand how you're covered, and don't be afraid to ask the insurance company to explain the conditions of your coverage and payments.
  • Don't be afraid to seek legal advice - and don't sign anything if you don't understand it.
  • When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right to choose the shop to do your repairs.
  • Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they are more expensive.

    You have a right to know what kind of parts are being used on your vehicle, and to know if your insurance policy dictates what kind of parts can be used in your car. If your policy lets you choose, you have the right to decide for yourself.
  • An insurance company also has the right to inspect your vehicle, but it is not required to do so. In addition, they cannot require you to visit one of their own claim centers.
  • And finally: Make sure you learn from this accident, but also let yourself move on from what happened. Everyone has an accident once in a while - it's just something that happens.

Remember - Drive Safely!

Want more information on your rights? To make an appointment, call us at 979-542-8800 or make an appointment online!


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What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

Granted my vehicle is not exactly new, but, I would not take it anywhere else for work to be done. I usually work on my own vehicles but I am no longer able to do the larger jobs. I brought my car to the guys at Lopez because of word of mouth from other old car guys. I asked them to replace my clutch, leaf springs, and shocks. This is not an easy task on these older vehicles being the parts are not they are on todays cars. They found other problem that had issues for the car to handle properly and they have always contacted me to let me know their concerns. They will not let a vehicle leave their business unless it done to the customers satisfaction. It is refreshing to find a business that still has this kind of ethics. Bravo... quotes-image
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Joel and his folks/family took wonderful care of our car this weekend. We had transmission trouble while driving between Houston and Austin on a Saturday. We called, and they were not only able to get us in with little notice, they were able to get us repaired and back on the road at a reasonable price! I spoke with Joel and at least a half dozen other employees while we were there, and they were all friendly, professional, and awesome to deal with. I can't recommend them highly enough! God Bless.quotes-image
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