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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.

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Personal injury lawyers serving El Paso, Las Cruces & Houston. Bieganowski Law Group offers free consultations in TX & NM. TX: 915-264-1800 Schedule A Free Consultation NM: 575-319-0358 1/8 BIEGANOWSKI LAW GROUP YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE Bieganowski Law Group is a family-owned dynamic law firm with experience across a wide range of legal disciplines, proudly serving clients in El Paso, Las Cruces, and Houston. We are committed to providing responsive and thoughtful legal representation tailored to the needs of each case. Our goal is to support our clients through every step of the legal process with clarity, diligence, and professionalism. Learn More Anchor OUR LEGAL PRACTICES Bieganowski Law Group is a team of dedicated legal professionals committed to delivering knowledgeable, attentive service to individuals and families in El Paso, Las Cruces, and Houston. We believe that understanding the unique facts and circumstances of each case is essential to providing effective legal guidance. Our firm proudly serves clients across Texas and New Mexico in a wide range of personal injury matters, including automobile & semi-truck accidents, workplace injuries, slip & falls, and more. We’re here to help you understand your rights and options every step of the way. WORKPLACE INJURIES Click to Learn More AUTOMOBILE & SEMI-TRUCK CRASHES Click to Learn More WRONGFUL DEATH Click to Learn More CONSTRUCTION SITE INJURIES Click to Learn More DOG BITE INJURIES Click to Learn More DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS Click to Learn More CLIENT TESTIMONIALS Please note: These testimonials do not guarantee or predict future results. Mr. Romero Testimonial Video for Bieganowski Law Group Play Video Sen᷉or Romero Video Testemonio de Bieganowski Law Group Play Video Bieganowski Law Group Watch Now Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close NEWS & UPDATES Welcome to our news and updates section, where we share highlights from the firm’s community involvement, legal insights, and upcoming events. Our goal is to keep you informed about developments in personal injury law and the work our team is doing in El Paso, Las Cruces, Houston, and surrounding areas. For any legal questions or concerns, we always recommend speaking directly with an attorney. Stay connected for updates and firm announcements. Please note: Any information shared here is general in nature and not a substitute for legal advice. For questions about your specific situation, we recommend consulting directly with a licensed attorney. View Posts LET OUR FAMILY HELP YOUR FAMILY Use our form to get in touch with our team. Call us to speak with a member of our staff. Connect with us on social media. We're committed to helping you understand your legal options. Please note: No walk-ins. Consultations by appointment only. Schedule A Free Consultation Submit Form Thanks for choosing Bieganowski Law Group! El Paso Office (Principal Office) 812 Magoffin Ave. El Paso, Texas 79901 T: 915-264-1800 F: 915-759-4007 Las Cruces Office 1100 S Main St., Ste. 2 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005 T: 575-319-0358 F: 915-759-4007 Houston Office 1523 Yale St. Houston, Texas 77008 T: 915-264-1800 F: 915-759-4007