Texas experiences heavy traffic, especially in major metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Unfortunately, with increased traffic comes a higher risk of serious car accidents. According to recent data, thousands of traffic fatalities occur across Texas roadways each year, many involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, what you do in the minutes and days following the crash can significantly impact your health, your insurance claim, and your right to compensation. Below are the most important steps to take after a Texas car accident to protect yourself legally and financially.
If you or a loved one were injured, you may also want to review our Car Accident services to understand your legal options.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately After a Car Accident
Your health and safety should always come first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Many serious injuries—such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—may not show symptoms right away. Delaying medical care can also give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Learn more about injury claims on our Personal Injury page.
Contact Local Law Enforcement and File a Police Report
Under Texas law, any car accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement. A police report provides an official record of the accident, including:
- Date, time, and location
- Parties involved
- Initial fault observations
- Witness information
This report can be critical when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action
Collect Evidence and Accident Information at the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes:
- Photos and videos of vehicle damage
- Skid marks and road conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
- Weather conditions
- Injuries
Be sure to exchange information with the other driver, including name, insurance details, and license plate number. Also, obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Strong evidence can make a significant difference in your claim—especially in disputed liability cases involving commercial trucks or motorcycles. If your accident involved a large vehicle, visit our Truck Accident page for more information.
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
You should notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Provide basic facts, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting blame before speaking with an attorney.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by shifting blame early in the process.
Avoid Accepting a Quick Settlement
Insurance companies may offer a fast settlement shortly after the accident. While it may seem tempting, these offers often fail to account for:
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation—even if your injuries worsen.
Before agreeing to any offer, consult with a qualified attorney who understands Texas accident laws.
Speak With a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Before Moving Forward
Working with an experienced Texas car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation. An attorney can:
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Gather and preserve evidence
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiate fair settlements
- File a lawsuit if necessary
If your injuries are severe or involve permanent impairment, legal guidance becomes even more critical. You can learn more about how we help injury victims on our Car Accident page or explore related cases such as Motorcycle Accidents.
Speak With a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today
Insurance companies move quickly after an accident—you should too. Before giving statements or signing documents, speak with an attorney who understands how Texas insurance claims work.
Call (214) 817-1450 today.