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The U.S. state of Texas incorporates the city of Laredo. Situated in South Texas on the banks of the Rio Grande, it is the biggest city in Webb County. The city’s unique blend of Mexican and American culture is reflected in its food, music, and customs. It’s a city full of life, a border town where highways buzz with traffic and people are always on the move. 

A car accident does not just rattle you for the day; it can rewire your life in seconds. After the initial shock wears off and once the bruises appear, you will think about all the things that you may need to deal with: Am I actually hurt more seriously than I realize? How am I going to pay for this? Whose fault was it? 

Accidents happen here, just like anywhere else, and when they do, locals often lean on experienced help to guide them through the mess. That’s where an accident lawyer from Gonzalez Druker Law Firm in Laredo, TX, can step in—making sure you don’t face the aftermath alone. 

Protecting Your Health and Finances After a Car Crash 

Protecting Your Body First 

The initial step following a car accident, whether you were the driver or passenger, is to assess yourself. Understandably, it is difficult to assess pain after an adrenaline rush. Even though you may feel “fine,” you may end up being more serious than you know. 

  • Move to safety if you can. 
  • Call 911 for medical help, even for what seems like small injuries. 
  • Get checked by a doctor within 24 hours. 

Keep all paperwork from the ER: notes, test results, and prescriptions. All of these references are essential to connect the accident to your injuries. Without those, insurance companies tend to argue your pain is from an independent source from the accident. 

Documenting the Scene 

Once you have ensured your safety, your next step is gathering evidence. Your smartphone is probably the best tool available. 

  • Take photos of the cars and damage information, capturing their license plates. 
  • Document the road signs, skid marks, or what the weather conditions looked like. 
  • Document the other driver’s insurance information and any necessary contact information. 
  • Obtain name(s) and phone number(s) of any witnesses. 

Talking to Insurance 

Insurance companies want to close claims fast and for as little money as possible. Be careful with what you say. Stick to the facts: where it happened, who was involved, and what damage occurred. Don’t guess or downplay your injuries. 

Avoid recorded statements until you’ve had time to think or speak with a lawyer. Once you say, “I feel okay,” it’s difficult to backtrack if symptoms worsen. 

Handling Medical Bills 

Hospital bills after a crash can be overwhelming. Between the ER visit, imaging tests, and physical therapy, costs rise quickly. Even if you have health insurance, you might face co-pays and deductibles. 

Keep track of: 

  • Every bill, big or small 
  • Mileage for medical visits 
  • Out-of-pocket costs like prescriptions or braces 
  • These numbers help you recover money later.

Lost Wages and Work 

If your injuries keep you from working, you may be able to claim lost income. Ask your employer for a letter confirming your missed days and regular pay. 

For self-employed workers, keep invoices, tax returns, or canceled jobs as proof. This can feel tedious, but lost wages often add up to more than medical bills. 

Legal Protection 

Even if everything feels manageable, accidents get messy. Fault isn’t always clear, and insurance adjusters may push back. Having an experienced lawyer helps you avoid costly mistakes. 

A local attorney knows the roads, traffic patterns, and courts in your area. Local knowledge matters in Laredo, where border traffic and busy highways create unique challenges.  

Key Takeaways 

  • Get medical attention right away, even for small injuries. 
  • Document the scene with photos, witness names, and details. 
  • Be cautious with insurance statements. 
  • Track every medical bill, expense, and lost wage. 
  • Consider local legal help to protect your rights.