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

The moments after a car accident are chaotic and stressful. Your heart is racing, adrenaline is pumping, and you may be hurt. But the actions you take in these critical moments can make or break your ability to recover compensation later.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Texas—step by step.

Step 1: Stop and Stay at the Scene

Texas law requires you to stop immediately after any accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Leaving the scene (hit and run) is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, even if the accident wasn't your fault.

What to do:

Pull over to a safe location if possible
Turn on your hazard lights
Stay at the scene until police arrive and clear you to leave

Step 2: Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your health comes first. Check yourself and passengers for injuries, then call 911 immediately.

Important: Even if you feel fine, some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal bleeding can take hours or days to manifest.

What to tell 911:

Your location (use your phone's GPS if needed)
Number of vehicles involved
Any visible injuries
If anyone is trapped or unconscious

Step 3: Move to Safety (If Possible)

If your vehicle is blocking traffic and can still move, Texas law requires you to move it to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. However, only do this if:

No one is seriously injured
It's safe to move
Your vehicle is drivable

If you can't move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives (unless there's a fire or other immediate danger).

Step 4: Document Everything

Your phone is your most valuable tool at an accident scene. Use it to document:

Photos to take:

All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
License plates
Damage to each vehicle
Skid marks or debris on the road
Traffic signs and signals
Weather and road conditions
Your visible injuries

Information to collect:

Other driver's name, phone, and address
Their insurance company and policy number
Their driver's license number
Make, model, and color of their vehicle

Step 5: Talk to Witnesses

Witnesses can be invaluable to your case. Their unbiased account of what happened can counter any lies the other driver tells later.

What to ask witnesses:

What they saw
Their name and phone number
If they'd be willing to give a statement

Don't pressure anyone, but a simple "Did you see what happened? Can I get your number in case my insurance needs to talk to you?" usually works.

Step 6: Talk to Police—But Be Careful

When police arrive, be cooperative but careful with your words.

Do:

Give the officer your license, registration, and insurance
Describe what happened factually ("I was driving south on I-35 when the other car changed lanes into me")
Tell the officer about any injuries
Ask for the police report number

Don't:

Admit fault or apologize
Speculate about what happened
Argue with the other driver
Exaggerate your injuries

Anything you say can be used against you later. Stick to facts.

Step 7: Seek Medical Attention

Go to the hospital or urgent care immediately, even if you feel fine. This is critical for two reasons:

Your health: Some injuries are hidden. A doctor can identify problems before they become serious.

Your case: Insurance companies will argue that if you didn't see a doctor right away, you must not have been hurt that badly. Don't give them this ammunition.

Follow all medical advice. Go to every appointment. Take prescribed medications. If a doctor recommends physical therapy, do it. Gaps in treatment hurt your case.

Step 8: Report to Your Insurance

Texas requires you to report accidents to your insurance company promptly. When you call:

Do:

Give basic facts about the accident
Mention you were injured and are seeking treatment
Ask about your coverage (medical payments, UM/UIM)

Don't:

Give a recorded statement
Accept a quick settlement
Sign anything without legal advice

Remember: Your insurance company is not your friend. They want to pay you as little as possible.

Step 9: Don't Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance

The other driver's insurance company will call you—probably within 24 hours. They'll sound friendly and concerned. Don't be fooled.

Their goal is to get you to say something that hurts your case or accept a lowball settlement before you know what your claim is worth.

What to say: "I've been in an accident and I'm still treating for my injuries. I'm not ready to discuss the claim yet."

Then hang up and call a lawyer.

Step 10: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Here's the truth: Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers whose job is to pay you as little as possible. You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back.

A good car accident lawyer will:

Handle all communication with insurance companies
Investigate the accident and gather evidence
Calculate the true value of your claim
Negotiate for maximum compensation
Take your case to trial if necessary

And here's the best part: Most car accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Posting on social media: Insurance companies will search your Facebook and Instagram for posts that contradict your injury claims. That photo of you smiling at a party? They'll use it to argue you're not really hurt.

Waiting too long to get legal help: Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations in Texas is just 2 years. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the stronger your case.

Settling too quickly: Insurance companies love to offer quick settlements because they know the amount is far less than your claim is worth. Never accept an offer without talking to an attorney first.

Get Help Now

If you've been in a car accident in Texas, don't navigate this alone. Contact us for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.