What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Texas can protect your health and your claim. Crashes happen suddenly, and those first moments feel overwhelming, but your quick actions can shape recovery.

Start by checking for injuries and moving vehicles to safety if possible. Call 911 when anyone is hurt or serious damage occurs. Exchange information, take photos and videos, gather witness details, and seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Always report the accident to your insurance company promptly.

At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we’ve helped Texans through serious collisions, protecting their rights and pursuing fair compensation. Our team understands how stressful these situations can be and is here to guide you toward clarity and recovery.

What steps should you take at the scene of a car accident in Texas?

At the accident scene, your priority should always be safety and documentation. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, drivers must stay calm, assist others, and follow basic post-crash procedures. These first moments often determine how well your insurance and injury claims unfold later.

Ensure safety

If possible, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights. Remaining in the middle of a busy road increases the chance of a secondary crash. When injuries prevent moving vehicles, stay inside with your seat belt fastened until emergency responders arrive. Even in low-speed crashes, staying visible and protected is critical.

Call for help

Always call 911 to report the accident. Police assess injuries, direct traffic, and prepare an official report. Emergency responders identify hidden injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. Texas law requires reporting collisions involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

Exchange information

Share your contact and insurance details with the other driver, as required under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.023. Drivers must share their name, address, license, registration, and insurance details. If requested, show your license and assist anyone who needs medical help. This step protects you legally and builds the foundation for your insurance claim.

Document everything

Photograph and record every important detail before leaving the crash scene. A clear record can help prove fault later and protect you if the other driver changes their story. Focus on capturing:

• All vehicles involved, including license plates and visible damage
• Road and traffic conditions, such as skid marks, debris, and signals
• Weather, lighting, and nearby signage
• Any visible injuries to yourself or passengers
• Names, badge numbers, and case numbers of responding officers

These details often prove vital when building a claim or working with insurers. Accurate, time-stamped photos and notes clarify what happened and strengthen your claim.

Speak to witnesses

Ask witnesses for names and contact details. Independent observations carry weight when insurance adjusters review claims or when attorneys build evidence. Record short summaries of what witnesses saw while their memories remain fresh.

Do not admit fault

Stay factual and avoid apologizing or speculating. Even a polite apology may be misinterpreted as an admission of liability. Provide only necessary information to police or insurance representatives. Fault determinations come later through investigation, not at the scene.

What should you do after leaving the car accident scene in Texas?

Once you leave the crash site, your next steps determine how well you recover medically and financially. Many injuries take hours or days to show symptoms, and paperwork errors can delay your claim.

Seek medical attention:

Always see a medical professional after a crash; adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Medical records provide crucial proof connecting your injuries to the collision. Delaying treatment weakens your case and health. Many Texans discover whiplash or concussion days later, proof that prompt care matters.

Report to your insurance company

Notify your insurer right away. Provide accurate details, but avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights. Early communication shows good faith, while premature admissions or speculation can backfire later. Keep copies of every report, bill, and communication related to the crash. This organized record supports your claim and simplifies attorney review later.

File a report

If police didn’t respond or file a report, complete a crash report through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). These reports become part of the state database and serve as official evidence if disputes arise. You typically have ten days to file after an unreported accident. This report helps establish facts like time, location, vehicle damage, and any citations issued.

Consult a car accident attorney

Consulting a Texas car accident lawyer protects your rights and strengthens your claim. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we help Texans pursue fair compensation after serious crashes and fight for accountability. If you’re unsure what to do after a car accident in Texas, call 817-920-9000 or reach out through our website to learn how we can help you move forward.

Meet John Cummings

As a Fort Worth native and a double-Board Certified trial lawyer, John Cummings is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. With a track record that includes record-setting verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements, he is an aggressive advocate who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases.

• Named a Top Personal Injury Lawyer by Fort Worth, Texas magazine.
• Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2003.
• Holds two Board Certifications in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law.

Free case consultation call us at (817) 920-9000