What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

Bieganowski Law Group
Aug 21
4 min read

Step-by-Step Guide for Drivers and Passengers

Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming, whether it’s a fender bender or a major collision. Whether you are embarking on a long-distance road trip or simply navigating through school zones, knowing what to do immediately afterward is critical—for your safety, your legal rights, and compliance with Texas laws.

This guide walks you through the essential steps to take after a vehicle accident in Texas, from ensuring everyone’s safety to understanding your legal options.

1. Stay Calm and Ensure Safety

It's natural to feel shocked after an accident, but staying calm can help you think clearly and respond appropriately.

Take a deep breath and assess the scene.
If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic.
Use hazard lights, flares, or triangles for visibility.
Check for injuries among drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Texas law tip: If the accident results in injury or death, you must stop and remain at the scene until authorized to leave.

2. Call 911 and Report the Accident

In Texas, you are legally required to report any crash involving injury, death, or property damage likely exceeding $1,000.

Emergency personnel will arrive to assess injuries and fill out an accident report when called.

When speaking to the dispatcher:

Provide your exact location.
State the number of vehicles involved.
Mention any visible injuries.

Why this matters: The Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report can be critical evidence for insurance claims or legal cases. If you haven’t received your crash report in or around 10 days, you can request your crash report by calling the proper authorities who were present and conducted the crash report.

3. Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Once it is safe to do so, collect the following from every driver involved:

Name and contact information
Insurance provider and policy number
Driver’s license number
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
License plate number

Important: Be courteous and cooperative during this process. Do not admit fault or argue about the cause of the accident at the scene.

4. Document the Scene

Taking pictures and gathering evidence can be vital for your case. Use your smartphone to take clear photos and videos of:

Vehicle positions and damage
Traffic signs, signals, and skid marks
Weather and road conditions
Any visible injuries

Pro tip: Include wide shots of the scene as well as close-ups. This can protect you in disputed claims.

5. Seek Medical Attention—Even if You Feel Fine

It’s wise to seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation:

Protects your health
Creates a medical record that supports your claim
Prevents insurers from arguing that injuries aren’t accident-related

Texas legal note: Delaying medical care can reduce your ability to recover compensation. Insurance companies might argue that your injuries aren't as severe if there are delays in treatment.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Once the immediate concerns are taken care of, report the accident promptly. Be honest and factual; insurance fraud has serious consequences. Provide:

The other driver’s information
The police report number (once available)
Any photos or evidence from the scene

Texas is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver found responsible must pay for damages. Your insurer will guide you through repairs, medical claims, or pursuing compensation from the other party.

7. Understand Texas Car Accident Laws

Texas has specific laws governing vehicle accidents that drivers and passengers should be aware of, such as:

Fault Determination: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule—if you’re over 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Statute of Limitations: You typically have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Minimum Insurance Requirements: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.

Driving without insurance can lead to severe penalties, including fines and license suspension.

8. Consider Consulting a Texas Personal Injury Attorney

If injuries or disputes arise, an experienced El Paso car accident lawyer can:

Investigate your case
Handle insurance negotiations
Ensure deadlines are met
Seek fair compensation for damages

Having legal representation can also relieve you of stress, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle negotiations with insurance companies.

9. Evaluate Your Next Steps

While dealing with the aftermath of an accident, don’t rush into decisions. Take your time to:

Monitor your health for delayed symptoms
Keep all receipts, medical bills, and repair estimates
Consider whether filing a claim or lawsuit is in your best interest

Key Takeaways

Stay safe, stay calm, and follow Texas legal requirements.
Gather as much information as possible.
Get checked by a doctor—even for minor accidents.
Understand your rights and timelines.
Seek legal guidance when needed.

Conclusion

Vehicle accidents can happen to anyone, and knowing how to respond can make navigating the situation much easier. From staying calm and collecting necessary information to understanding your rights and obligations under Texas law, every step is critical.

As a responsible driver or passenger, your safety and legal standing should be your top priority after an accident. Always remember that taking thoughtful actions can make a difference in your recovery and in securing any necessary compensation.

Stay safe on the roads and be prepared; knowledge is your best ally in dealing with the unexpected.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Viewing this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.