If you've just been in a car accident in Texas, the minutes and hours that follow can determine the strength of any future personal injury claim. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Texas isn't just practical advice — it can be the difference between recovering fair compensation and walking away with nothing.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your health comes first. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 immediately. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.026, you are legally required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
The 911 call creates an official record, and the responding officers will file a police report — one of the most important pieces of evidence in any Texas car accident claim.
Step 2: Move to Safety (If Possible)
Texas law (Transportation Code Section 550.022) requires drivers involved in an accident to stop at or near the scene. If vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder. Turn on hazard lights. If it's dark or visibility is poor, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Collect the following from all drivers involved:
- Full name, phone number, and address
- Driver's license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of all vehicles
Do not admit fault or apologize. Even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you later.
Step 4: Document Everything at the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and video of:
- Damage to all vehicles from multiple angles
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signals, signs, and lane markings
- Your visible injuries
- The other driver's license plate and insurance card
If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Witness statements can be powerful evidence, especially in disputed fault scenarios.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Within 72 Hours
Many serious injuries — whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, herniated discs — don't show symptoms immediately. See a doctor within 72 hours, even if you feel fine. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
Insurance companies routinely argue that delayed medical treatment means your injuries weren't serious. Don't give them that ammunition.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. Texas is a "fault" state, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. However, your own policy may provide important coverage like Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
When speaking with any insurance company, stick to the facts. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without legal advice.
Understanding Texas Comparative Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 33). You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you'd recover $80,000.
This is why documenting the scene and avoiding any admission of fault is so critical.
Step 7: Keep a Detailed Record
Start a file (physical or digital) containing:
- The police report number
- All medical records and bills
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (medication, medical devices, rideshares)
- Documentation of missed work and lost wages
- A daily journal noting your pain levels, limitations, and emotional impact
What Is Your Texas Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a Texas car accident claim depends on several factors:
- Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
- Lost wages: Income lost during recovery, plus reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs
According to Texas Department of Transportation data, there were over 550,000 reportable crashes in Texas in a recent year, resulting in more than 250,000 injuries. The average car accident settlement in Texas ranges from $15,000 to $75,000 for moderate injuries, though serious cases involving surgery, long-term disability, or wrongful death can reach six or seven figures.
Texas Statute of Limitations
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to sue entirely. While two years may sound like plenty of time, building a strong case requires starting early.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
Every Texas car accident case is unique. The steps you take in the first few days often determine the outcome. If you've been injured in a car accident in Texas, use our free AI-powered case estimator to get an instant, confidential estimate of what your claim may be worth — no obligation, no pressure. Understanding your options is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.