What to do after a car accident in Texas

{ "title": "What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas", "metaDescription": "Hurt in a Texas car crash? Learn the exact steps to protect your health, rights, and injury claim after an accident in TX.", "body": "# What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas\n\nA car accident can turn your day—and your life—upside down in seconds. If you've been in a crash in Texas, the steps you take right after it happens can make a big difference in your health, your finances, and any legal claim you may have. This guide walks you through what to do, in plain English.\n\n## Step 1: Stop, Stay Safe, and Call 911\n\nTexas law requires you to stop at the scene of any accident that involves injury, death, or property damage. Do not drive away, even if the crash seems minor.\n\nOnce you've stopped:\n- Move to a safe location if your car is drivable and blocking traffic.\n- Turn on your hazard lights.\n- Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, call the police so an official report is filed.\n\nA police report is one of the most important documents in any Texas car accident claim. It creates an official record of what happened, who was involved, and what the responding officer observed.\n\n## Step 2: Exchange Information and Document the Scene\n\nWhile you wait for police, gather as much information as you safely can:\n\n- Other driver's name, address, phone number, and driver's license number\n- Insurance company name and policy number\n- License plate number and vehicle description\n- Names and contact information of any witnesses\n\nUse your phone to take photos of:\n- All vehicles and their damage\n- The road, intersection, or area where the crash happened\n- Any skid marks, debris, or traffic signs\n- Visible injuries on yourself or passengers\n- The other driver's license, insurance card, and plates\n\nThe more documentation you have, the stronger your position if a dispute arises later.\n\n## Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Right Away\n\nEven if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident—ideally the same day. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, may not show obvious symptoms for hours or even days.\n\nDelaying medical care can hurt you in two ways:\n1. Your health may get worse without proper treatment.\n2. An insurance company may argue that your injuries were not serious, or were caused by something other than the accident.\n\nKeep records of every doctor's visit, prescription, diagnosis, and treatment related to the crash.\n\n## Step 4: Report the Accident Properly\n\nTo your insurance company: Notify your insurer promptly. Most policies require timely reporting. Stick to the facts; do not speculate about fault or minimize your injuries.\n\nTo the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): If the police do not file a report and the accident resulted in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in vehicle damage, Texas law requires you to file a written report (Form CR-2) with TxDOT within 10 days.\n\nAvoid recorded statements to the other driver's insurer without first speaking to an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can reduce or eliminate your claim.\n\n## Step 5: Understand Texas Fault Rules and Your Rights\n\nTexas follows a modified comparative fault rule (also called proportionate responsibility). This means:\n- You can recover damages as long as you are 51% or less at fault for the accident.\n- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%.\n- If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything under Texas law.\n\nThis is why it is critical not to admit fault at the scene—even casually. Something as simple as saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you.\n\nTexas statute of limitations: In most Texas car accident cases, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). Missing this deadline generally means losing your right to sue.\n\n## Step 6: Consider Talking to a Personal Injury Attorney\n\nYou are not required to hire an attorney, but a consultation is almost always free and can be eye-opening. An experienced Texas personal injury attorney can:\n- Investigate the accident and gather evidence\n- Handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf\n- Calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical costs and lost income\n- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial if needed\n\nMost car accident attorneys in Texas work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you. Start a free intake at LeadGod to get connected quickly.\n\n---\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Car Accidents\n\n### How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?\n\nGenerally, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. However, claims involving government vehicles or entities may have shorter deadlines. Do not wait — contact an attorney early to protect your rights.\n\n### What if the other driver doesn't have insurance in Texas?\n\nTexas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but many drivers are uninsured. If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help pay your damages. Check your policy or talk to an intake specialist to understand your options.\n\n### Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?\n\nGenerally, no — at least not without fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages first. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your medical bills turn out to be higher than expected.\n\n### What damages can I recover after a Texas car accident?\n\nPotential damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and property damage. The specific amount varies case by case — no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome.\n\n### Do I need a police report to make an insurance claim?\n\nA police report is not legally required to file an insurance claim, but it significantly strengthens your position. Without one, it becomes your word against the other driver's. If police did not respond, file a CR-2 report with TxDOT as described above.\n\n---\n\nBeing in a car accident is stressful, but taking the right steps quickly can protect your health and your legal options. The most important thing is to act — don't delay medical care, don't ignore deadlines, and don't navigate the insurance process alone if you don't have to.\n\nTalk to our 24/7 AI to see if you have a strong case — free, no obligation. → Start free intake" }