What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately following a collision can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation for your injuries.

Our Accident Avenger attorneys have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured parties, and we know how to get results. We can retain road safety specialists, state-of-the-art accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts to help prove your case. If you've been in an accident, follow these steps and contact our Texas-based Accident Avengers. Contact us here:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else

• Check for Injuries: Immediately assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Call for medical assistance (911) if anyone is hurt, even if the injuries seem minor. Don't move injured individuals unless absolutely necessary to prevent further harm (e.g., moving someone away from a burning vehicle). According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2022 there were over 630,000 crashes in Texas, resulting in over 4,400 fatalities and over 15,000 serious injuries. (Source: TxDOT Crash Facts Report - most recent year available) This highlights the importance of prioritizing safety at the scene.

• Move Vehicles to a Safe Location: If your vehicles are drivable and the Accident is minor, move them out of traffic to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. This helps prevent further accidents. If the vehicles are severely damaged or if anyone is injured, leave them where they are unless they pose an immediate danger.

• Turn on Hazard Lights: Activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident scene.

• Set Up Flares or Cones (If Available): If you have flares or cones, use them to further alert oncoming traffic, especially at night or in low visibility conditions.

Step 2: Call the Police

• Report the Accident: Texas law (Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021) requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call 911 to report the Accident to the police. Even if the damage seems minor, it's generally best to have a police report. TxDOT data emphasizes the frequency of crashes and the importance of documentation. (Source: TxDOT Crash Facts Report - most recent year available)

• Provide Accurate Information: Give the police officer accurate and detailed information about the Accident, including the location, time, date, and a description of what happened. Avoid speculating or admitting fault. Stick to the facts you know.

• Obtain the Police Report Information: Get the name and badge number of the responding officer and ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report. This report is crucial evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal action. TxDOT maintains crash records, and obtaining a copy of the report is essential. (Source: TxDOT - How to Obtain a Crash Report)

Step 3: Exchange Information

• Exchange Contact and Insurance Information: Exchange contact information (names, phone numbers, addresses) and insurance information (company name, policy number) with all other drivers involved in the Accident.

Step 3: Refrain from Discussing Fault at the SceneStep 4: Document the Scene

• Take Photos and Videos: If it is safe to do so, use your phone or camera to take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.

• Gather Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the Accident, get their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Their testimony can be valuable in determining fault.

• Record Your Recollections: As soon as possible after the Accident, write down everything you remember about the event, including the time, location, weather conditions, and the sequence of events. This will help you recall important details later.

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention

• See a Doctor: Even if you feel fine immediately after the Accident, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is essential. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Remember, your health is our top priority. Prompt medical attention is crucial for your health, for documenting your injuries for your insurance claim, and for any potential legal action.Follow Medical Advice: Follow your doctor's treatment plan and keep records of all your medical visits, treatments, and expenses.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

• Report the Accident Promptly: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the Accident. Provide them with the details of the Accident, including the police report information.

• Cooperate with the Insurance Adjuster: Cooperate with your insurance adjuster's investigation, but be careful about what you say. Avoid giving recorded statements without consulting with an attorney first.

Step 7: Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

• Protect Your Legal Rights: Consulting with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney is crucial to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.

• Discuss Your Options: An attorney can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you navigate the claims process. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court. Texas law governs negligence and damage recovery in car accident cases. (Source: Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code)

• Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years. (Source: Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 16.003). This reinforces the need to act quickly.

Do Not Delay: Time is of the essence in personal injury cases. Texas has statutes of limitations that limit the time you have to file a lawsuit. Remember, every second counts. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your Accident is crucial.

This guide provides a general overview of what to do after a car accident in Texas. Every Accident is unique, and the specific steps you need to take may vary depending on the circumstances. Consulting with a qualified Texas personal injury attorney is essential to protect your rights and pursue your claim effectively.

The Accident Avengers want to help deliver justice to you and your family. Contact us today!