What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Were you in a car accident in Texas? Learn what steps to take, what your rights are, and how a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas, the moments after the crash can feel overwhelming. Between the shock, the pain, and the confusion, it’s hard to know what to do first. But the steps you take right after an accident can make a big difference in your case and your recovery.
Learn more about us: De La Garza Law Firm
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. Even if everyone seems okay, call 911. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which is important when you file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Don’t assume you’re fine. Some injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma don’t show symptoms right away.
2. Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re able to, gather as much information as possible before leaving the scene:
Photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, and road conditions
Contact and insurance information from all drivers involved
Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
The responding officer’s name and badge number
The police report number
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case.
3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor as soon as possible. This protects your health and creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident. Waiting too long can give insurance companies a reason to argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash at all.
4. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Texas law requires you to report accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage. Notify your insurance company promptly, but be careful about what you say. Stick to the basic facts and avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first.
5. Know Texas Fault Laws
Texas follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages. Texas also uses modified comparative negligence so if you’re found to be partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages at all.
This is why having an experienced attorney on your side matters. Insurance companies will try to shift blame to reduce what they owe you.
6. Watch Out for the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their job is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Before you accept any settlement offer, talk to a personal injury attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot go back and ask for more even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than expected.
7. Know Your Deadline : Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. Don’t wait.
8. Talk to a Texas Car Accident Attorney
You don’t have to navigate this alone. A personal injury attorney can help you:
Investigate the accident and gather evidence
Handle communication with the insurance company
Calculate the full value of your damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care
Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial if needed
At De La Garza Law Firm, we fight for injured Texans across the DFW area. Attorney Rolando de la Garza is a National Top 100 Trial Lawyer with a track record of results for car accident victims.
Injured in a Texas Car Accident? We’re Here to Help.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact De La Garza Law Firm today for a free consultation.
214-937-5077
De La Garza Law Firm Se habla español.
We’re ready to fight for your recovery and future.