Getting into a car accident can be a jarring experience, especially if the accident is major. However, it’s important to know what to do after a car accident so that you don’t panic and do something wrong. Here are crucial steps you should take after getting into a car accident in Texas.

1. Remain At the Scene of the Accident

The first thing you should do is stay at the scene of the accident. Here are some important reasons to do so.

It’s Illegal to Flee the Scene

Texas law requires that all parties involved in a vehicular accident stay at the scene, especially if there are injuries or property damage. If you decide to flee the scene, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, according to the Texas Transportation Code section 550.021.

• Class C misdemeanor: If the damage to all vehicles is less than $200
• Class B misdemeanor: If the damage to all vehicles is $200 or more
• Felony of the third degree: If there is serious bodily injury to a person
• Felony of the first degree: If there is a death of a person

You’ll Avoid Additional Complications

If you leave the scene of a car accident, it may lead to legal issues. It can also make it challenging to resolve any insurance claims. By remaining at the site, you can ensure everything is handled smoothly.

You Can Give and Receive Emotional Support

Getting into a car accident can be both stressful and overwhelming – for both sides. By staying at the scene, you can either offer emotional support or receive it. Trying to calm someone else or being calmed can make everything easier to handle.

2. Pull Over to a Safe Area

To ensure the safety of all parties involved in the accident, try to pull over to a safe area. Avoid stopping in the middle of a street or freeway as this could cause additional accidents with other drivers. By pulling over, you’re keeping the road clear. Additional reasons you should pull over include:

Complies With the Law

Texas law requires that drivers move their vehicles away from traffic if it is possible to do so. By pulling over, you’ll comply with state laws. This is important if there are legal proceedings later on.

Facilitates Emergency Services

If there has been a serious bodily injury, emergency responders will need to be able to reach the scene of the accident safely. By pulling to a safe area, you’re making it easier for paramedics and police to get to the accident scene quickly.

Helps to Ease Traffic Flow

Accidents, even small ones, can cause significant traffic delays, especially if they occur on a freeway. By moving your vehicle to a safe area, you’re doing your part to avoid a traffic jam.

Protects Your Vehicle

If you have a minor accident and you can still drive your vehicle, moving it out of the flow of traffic can prevent further damage.

3. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Once you have pulled over to a safe area, you can now exchange information with the other driver. Here are some reasons why it’s important to do so.

Ensures You Follow the Law

According to the Texas Transportation Code, section 550.023, you should get the other’s driver’s name and address, the registration number of their vehicle, and the name of their insurance company. You should provide your information as well. Refusing to do so could lead to fines.

Helps Resolve Disputes

Car accidents can lead to disputes about the extent of the damage and who is at fault. While you may want to involve a car accident lawyer later on, it’s important to first have the other driver’s information and insurance company details. This ensures you have a record of the driver involved.

Provides a Point of Contact

If you or your insurance company have follow-up questions, having a point of contact is important. Sometimes, additional clarification may be needed, and being able to reach out to the other driver can be helpful.

Helps Law Enforcement

If law enforcement gets involved, having all the correct documentation can help them complete the accident report properly.

Reduces Uncertainty

By exchanging information, you are in a better position to manage the situation as you have all the required information to handle insurance claims.

4. Call 911 If Your Accident Is Major

If you have a minor accident that simply scratches your car, it may not be necessary to call 911. However, here are reasons why calling 911 can be crucial in a major accident.

Medical Assistance

If there are serious bodily injuries, calling 911 ensures that you or another party involved in the accident will receive prompt medical attention. Paramedics can save lives.

Safety

When you call 911, emergency responders can quickly secure the area, such as directing traffic, putting out cones, and preventing other vehicles from coming close to the accident site.

Official Accident Report

When police officers arrive on the scene, they create an official accident report. This report includes statements from both drivers, statements from witnesses, and details about the car accident. This crash report becomes an unbiased report of the accident.

Assistance With Any Immediate Needs

Police officers can help with your needs, such as contacting a tow truck. They can also answer any accident-related questions or provide guidance on what to do after the accident.

Coordination Of Services

If you have a major accident, there needs to be coordination between the paramedics, the police, and the fire department. Calling 911 ensures that all teams have been dispatched and can work together efficiently.

Peace of Mind

Calling 911 allows you to focus on your physical and mental well-being knowing that professional emergency responders will handle the rest.

5. Collect Evidence

While you may not be in a state of mind to collect evidence, try to gather as much evidence as possible. Here is why collecting evidence is crucial.

Supports Your Insurance Claim

After your accident, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Having as much evidence as possible can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Important evidence to collect includes photos of the scene, photos of all damage, and a detailed account of all injuries.

Establishes Fault

Collecting evidence can help resolve who was at fault. If there were witness statements, photos, or even video footage, this evidence can show who was responsible, especially if there are conflicting reports.

Ensures Legal Protection

In cases where there is a personal injury lawsuit, having evidence to show a car accident attorney can help protect your rights. Your evidence can be important in court.

Helps With Memory Recall

Accidents can be disorienting, which may make memory recall challenging. If you have video footage and photographs of the scene, this can help your memory when recounting the events to an auto accident attorney or your insurance company.

Helps the Police Report

Photos, videos, and witness statements can help law enforcement create a more accurate accident report.

Speeds up the Case

Having evidence can reduce back-and-forth disputes over who is at fault. With clear photos and videos, both parties involved can make decisions quickly and close the case.

6. Get a Copy of Your Crash Report

After the accident, you should get a copy of the crash report. Some reasons to do so include:

Provides a Comprehensive Record of the Accident

A crash report is an official and detailed account of the car accident. Besides the essential information, such as the location, time, and date, it also includes the circumstances surrounding the accident. This official record can serve as a reference point for future use.

Helps Your Insurance Claim

In order for your insurance company to process your claim, it will need as many details about the accident as possible. Having the official report handy can streamline your claims process.

Establishes Fault

An accident report typically will include the officer’s assessment of who was at fault. This can be crucial when you need to resolve liability disputes. If the other driver contests who is at fault, the official report can help support your case (or theirs). If the case does go to court, you will need to give the crash report to your car crash attorney.

Helps With Medical Claims

If you were injured in the accident, the accident report will be necessary for medical claims. Healthcare providers may require this report to process your medical expenses. The document proves that your injuries were linked to the accident.

Helps With Vehicle Repairs

The crash report provides details of the damage to your vehicle. This can help insurance adjusters and repair shops determine the extent of the damage to your car. By providing an official report, you can ensure you’ll receive the right compensation.

7. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you have returned home and feel ready to tackle the details of the accident, you should contact your insurance company. Some insurers will tell you to contact them within 24 hours. Others will say within 10 or 30 days. In order not to miss the deadline, find out what your timeline is. Here is why contacting your insurance company as soon as possible is important.

Initiates the Claims Process

Contacting your insurance company will initiate the claims process. The faster you contact your insurance company, the faster your claim will be processed. You will need the compensation from the claim to cover any vehicle repairs or medical bills.

Fulfills Your Policy Requirements

Many insurance companies require that you report accidents within a specific timeframe. Failure to do so may result in your claim being denied.

Helps Provide the Insurance Company With Accurate Information

Contacting your insurance company immediately helps provide the company with accurate information as the details are still fresh in your mind. You may also have helpful photos and videos of the accident scene.

You Can Start Arranging for Vehicle Repairs

Once you call your insurance company, the company can help coordinate vehicle repair payments. This ensures that your car is serviced immediately so you can use it for work or school.

Helps Manage Any Medical Expenses

If you were injured in the car accident, your insurance policy may cover all or some of your medical bills. Your insurance company can coordinate payments to your healthcare provider.

Helps Manage Liability Claims Efficiently

Your insurance company can help protect you from possible legal issues. They can also carry out their own investigation to determine who was at fault. This is essential for resolving liability claims effectively.

8. Contact a Vehicle Accident Attorney in Texas

If you and the other driver have a dispute about who is at fault, you may need to hire an auto accident lawyer. A lawyer can help with the following:

Understanding Your Rights

A vehicle accident lawyer is knowledgeable about Texas law and can help you understand your options and your rights. A car crash lawyer can explain the legal aspects of your case, ensuring you know what steps you should take to protect yourself.

Navigating Legal Complexities

Car accidents often lead to complex legal situations, especially if there are major injuries or significant property damage. A car accident lawyer can guide you through these legal complexities by handling all the paperwork and ensuring that the procedures are followed accurately. Their legal expertise can prevent mistakes that could negatively affect your case.

Maximizing Compensation

An experienced car accident attorney in Texas can evaluate the true value of your claim, considering medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and ongoing medical treatment. They can help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Representing You in Court

If you have to go to court, a vehicle accident lawyer can represent you. Their knowledge of legal strategies can significantly help your case.

Handling Insurance Companies

Insurance companies try to minimize the amount they have to pay out. An experienced car crash attorney can speak to them on your behalf, negotiating a fair settlement.

9. Keep a Copy of Everything

Finally, keep a copy of everything. This includes medical records, all correspondence, police reports, and receipts. Here are reasons why keeping a copy of everything is crucial.

Ensures Accuracy

After an accident, details of the accident may become unclear. If the case goes to court a year later, relying on your memory alone could work against you. Your documentation will serve as a reliable reference and can help your car crash lawyer build a solid case.

Tracks Expenses and Losses

You may take a big financial hit after your car accident. Keeping a copy of everything allows you to track all your out-of-pocket costs properly. This can help with any reimbursements owed to you later.

Prepares for Any Future Needs

You may need your accident documents months or even years after the accident. Keeping copies of everything ensures you’re prepared for anything in the future, such as legal or medical issues.


If you were involved in a car accident in Texas, our car accident lawyers can help. Contact us for a case evaluation.