What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas? Checklist 2025

Texas sees its fair share of tourism and heavy traffic, especially during peak months and in heavily populated cities, such as Houston, Austin, and Dallas. However, these sunny streets also see their fair share of car accidents. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Texas is vital to securing proper compensation for your losses and protecting your rights and future.

About The Sharp Firm

At The Sharp Firm, we bring over 30 years of experience to assist you in your car accident case. We take the time to honestly evaluate each case for free, and if we decide to take the case, we guide our clients every step of the way from claim to trial and, if needed, appeal. Set up your complimentary consultation to ask questions or discuss any topics that concern you.

Texas Considerations

Drivers face genuine risks while navigating Texas roads, as statistical evidence confirms. In 2024, there were 14,905 serious injury crashes that resulted in 18,218 individuals being seriously injured on Texas roads. In 2024, 2,080 traffic fatalities occurred on Texas rural roadways, which make up 50.12% of total traffic deaths in the state. The numbers are real, and so are the dangers that Texans face every day on high-speed or high-volume roadways.

Central Texas Freeways, including I-35, SH 45, and FM 1626, are plagued by severe traffic and catastrophic accidents between automobiles and commercial trucks. Many of these wrecks, which cause serious personal injury or wrongful death, are litigated in the Hays County Courthouse in San Marcos or in other surrounding district courts.

Seek Medical Attention First

The first thing to do after a car accident is to check to see if everyone is safe. If you, a passenger, or the driver of the other vehicle has notable injuries, contact emergency medical services right away. Your safety, and the safety of those around you, is of the utmost importance.

Do not move anyone who is visibly and seriously injured unless their immediate safety is threatened otherwise, such as when they are in the middle of the road and need to be moved so other cars do not run them over.

While waiting for the police and EMS to arrive, move your car to a safe location to avoid additional collisions.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

Texas car accident law requires that all car accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 be reported to local law enforcement. If the accident is minor, but you are unsure of the cost of property damage, contact them anyway. Having an official report can help your case later with your insurance company, and if you decide to file a claim.

Collect Important Information

First, you want to make sure you gather enough evidence at the scene to document what happened. This includes taking photos and videos of the accident, damage to your car, skid marks, and any contributing factors to the accident, such as improper road signage or inclement weather. Also, gather the contact information of any eyewitnesses.

Additionally, exchange information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, insurance information, license and license plate numbers, and make and model of the car.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Let your car insurance company know that the accident occurred. Provide them with basic information regarding the accident, regardless of who is at fault. Texas operates under modified comparative negligence, meaning you may still recover damages if you are partly to blame for the accident, provided you are not more than 50% at fault. Regardless, refrain from admitting fault to your insurer without the advice of an attorney.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies may try to offer you a lowball settlement that does not adequately cover your losses. Additionally, you may choose to seek a personal injury claim if the accident was caused by another person’s negligence. In these cases, it is a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer in Texas to help you negotiate with insurance companies and file your claim.

See a Doctor

If you did not seek medical attention at the scene of the crash, be sure to schedule an appointment so your doctor can examine you to ensure your safety. Some injuries, particularly internal ones, do not manifest symptoms right away. A doctor can give an official report of any injuries.

FAQs

What Do You Do After a Car Accident in Texas?

In the event of a car accident in Texas, the first thing you should do is check for any injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicles out of the way of traffic. You should then exchange information with the other driver and take photos of the scene. File a police report, contact an attorney, and inform your insurance company of the accident.

Do You Have to Call the Police After an Accident in Texas?

You should call the police if someone is hurt or killed or if there is significant property damage. You should also call for minor accidents because you may need a police report for an insurance claim. Police will come to the scene, talk with witnesses, and write an accident report that may be important later in case of any disputes.

How Long After an Accident Can You Still Make a Claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, insurance claims may have much shorter deadlines, so it’s important to notify your insurer as soon as possible. Prompt action also helps to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What Happens if You Don’t Call Insurance After an Accident?

If you don’t call insurance after an accident, you may face serious consequences. The insurer can deny coverage for the resulting repairs or injuries, holding you financially responsible. In some cases, this type of behavior can also violate the terms of your policy and lead to a cancellation of coverage. Promptly reporting the accident can help ensure your rights are protected.

Contact The Sharp Firm Today

If you were injured in a car accident, don’t delay in seeking legal assistance. The Sharp Firm can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.