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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 CASE RESULTS & CLIENT TESTIMONIALS Please note: These results and testimonials do not guarantee or predict future results. At Bieganowski Law Group, we take pride in the trust our clients place in us. Our case results and client testimonials reflect real experiences from individuals and families we’ve had the privilege to represent. While every case is unique and outcomes depend on many factors, these examples provide insight into our approach, our commitment to communication, and the care we bring to every matter. We invite you to explore our case results, read verified Google reviews, and hear directly from clients who chose our firm during some of life’s most challenging moments. View Case Results View Testimonials 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 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

Meet the attorneys at Bieganowski Law Group. Serving injury victims in El Paso, Las Cruces & Houston with experience and dedication. TX: 915-264-1800 Schedule A Free Consultation NM: 575-319-0358 Victor J. Bieganowski Founding Attorney Victor J. Bieganowski earned his Bachelor's Degree from Le Moyne College and Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law School. He began his legal career in 1978 as a trial attorney with the National Labor Relations Board, where he represented the United States in employer-employee labor disputes. He later became a partner at a private law firm in Houston, Texas. In 1982, Victor opened his own law offices in Houston and El Paso, Texas. His practice has included handling matters involving motor vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, wrongful death claims, product liability, railroad and construction site injuries, slip-and-fall, premises liability, and workers' compensation cases. Currently, Victor practices in El Paso County and is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the U.S. District Court - Western District, the El Paso Bar Association, and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Victor is the managing partner of the firm and oversees a wide range of litigation cases. Victor is not licensed to practice in the State of New Mexico. Joshua J. Bieganowski Attorney Joshua J. Bieganowski is an associate attorney at the Bieganowski Law Group. He focuses his practice on personal injury litigation and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, California. While at Whittier, he participated in various student associations, including the Hispanic American Law Student Association and the Armenian Law Student’s Association. A native of El Paso, Joshua earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso. During his undergraduate years, he worked as a legal assistant for a plaintiff’s law firm, gaining valuable experience in civil litigation from an early stage. Joshua has been involved in cases involving personal injury, employment law, sexual harassment, product liability, and contract disputes. He draws on this experience to serve clients across both Texas and New Mexico with a thoughtful and determined approach to advocacy. Joshua is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and the State of New Mexico. Zachary V. Bieganowski Attorney Zachary Bieganowski is a dedicated attorney who brings strategic insight and trial-focused training to every case he handles. A graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston, Zach earned his J.D. Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into both the Order of the Lytae and the Order of the Barristers, honors recognizing academic achievement and oral advocacy. While in law school, Zach participated on the Varsity Moot Court and Mock Trial teams, where he gained practical advocacy experience and refined his litigation skills. He received the CALI Excellence Award in Advanced Trial Advocacy and was recognized as Best Advocate and recipient of Best Opening Statement in the 2023 Best in Texas Voir Dire Tournament . Before focusing on personal injury law, Zach worked on probate matters including estate administration, fiduciary disputes, and will contests—experience that helped develop his ability to handle procedurally and emotionally complex legal matters. Today, Zach represents clients in a range of personal injury cases. He is involved in all stages of litigation, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, maintaining client communication, and preparing and arguing dispositive motions. His practice emphasizes thorough preparation, open communication, and advocacy grounded in the pursuit of justice. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with his wife and their English Cream Dachshund, as well as golfing, snowboarding, watching movies, and attending stand-up comedy shows. Zach is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and the State of New Mexico. Toni Bieganowski Finance Samuel Ortiz Office Manager

See examples of personal injury cases handled by Bieganowski Law Group in Texas and New Mexico. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. Case Results The case results shown here highlight examples of matters handled by Bieganowski Law Group for clients in Texas and New Mexico. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, circumstances, and applicable law. These examples are provided to offer general insight into the types of cases we handle and our approach to representation. (Case results depend on specific facts. Prior outcomes do not predict future success.)