A car accident can happen in an instant and leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Knowing what information to collect after a car accident is crucial—it can protect your safety, preserve your legal rights, and strengthen any potential insurance claim or lawsuit you may need to file.
Angel Reyes & Associates is a 5-star Texas personal injury law firm committed to representing accident victims throughout the state. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Texas, what information you need to collect, and how an experienced car accident lawyer can help protect your interests.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS: Your First Priority is Safety
1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety
Your immediate safety and the safety of others should always come first. Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Check yourself and any passengers for visible injuries and determine if anyone can move safely.
2. Move to Safety When Possible
If your vehicle is drivable and you’re not seriously injured, move your car out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or reflective triangles if you have them. However, if anyone is seriously injured or the vehicles can’t be moved safely, leave everything as is until help arrives.
3. Call 911 Immediately
You are legally required to call police in Texas if:
- Anyone is injured or killed
- Property damage exceeds $1,000
- Vehicles cannot be moved safely from the roadway
- You suspect a driver is intoxicated
- Anyone leaves the scene (hit-and-run)
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.026, you must report accidents meeting these criteria immediately by the quickest means possible.
CRITICAL INFORMATION TO COLLECT
Personal Information from All Parties
Get complete contact details from every driver and passenger involved:
- Full names and addresses
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
Vehicle Details
Document information about all vehicles involved:
- Make, model, year, and color
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) if accessible
- Location of visible damage
Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, their testimony could be crucial for your case:
- Names and contact information
- Brief statement about what they saw
- Use your phone to record their account if they’re willing
Scene Documentation
Your smartphone is one of your most valuable tools at an accident scene:
Take photos of:
- Vehicle positions (before they’re moved)
- Damage to all vehicles from multiple angles
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
- Weather conditions and lighting
- Any visible injuries you’ve sustained
Take videos to:
- Show the overall accident scene
- Capture nearby intersections and road signage
- Document weather and lighting conditions
UNDERSTANDING TEXAS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Official Police Reports
When officers respond to your accident, they’ll create an official crash report (Form CR-3). This report is crucial because it includes:
- The officer’s assessment of what caused the accident
- Any traffic citations issued
- Witness statements
- A diagram of the accident scene
You can obtain a copy of your police report through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for $6 ($8 for a certified copy). Reports are typically available 5-10 days after the accident.
When No Officer Responds
As of November 2017, Texas drivers are no longer required to file a CR-2 crash report (the “Blue Form”) for accidents with damage under $1,000. However, you still must report accidents to TxDOT within 10 days if they involve injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Contact your insurance company immediately, regardless of who was at fault. Texas is an at-fault insurance state, meaning the responsible driver’s insurance should pay for damages. However, you must notify your own insurer because:
- The other driver may file a claim against your policy
- Failure to report can result in loss of coverage
- Your policy may include benefits like rental car coverage or medical payments
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
Don’t skip medical care, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline often masks symptoms immediately after an accident. Common delayed-onset injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal injuries
Having prompt medical documentation is crucial for any insurance claim or lawsuit. Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts, and follow all treatment recommendations from your healthcare providers.
UNDERSTANDING TEXAS FAULT LAWS
Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” system under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. This means:
- You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault
- You cannot recover anything if you’re 51% or more at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
Example: If you’re found 30% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages, you could recover $70,000 (reduced by your 30% fault percentage).
Insurance companies will try to assign as much fault to you as possible to reduce their payouts, making strong legal representation essential.
HOW A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY CAN PROTECT YOU
Evidence Preservation and Investigation
A skilled attorney can:
- Secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Obtain and analyze the official police report
- Document all your injuries and their impact on your life
Insurance Company Communication
Never talk to the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney present. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts by:
- Getting you to admit partial fault
- Downplaying your injuries
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your damages
Calculating Full Damages
An experienced attorney will ensure you seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment
Litigation if Necessary
If insurance companies won’t offer fair settlements, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Remember, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas.
AVOID THESE COMMON MISTAKES
- Admitting fault at the scene – Stick to facts only
- Accepting the first settlement offer – Initial offers are often far below fair value
- Posting about the accident on social media – Insurance companies monitor these platforms
- Failing to document injuries – Take photos and keep detailed records
- Missing medical appointments – This can be used against you to minimize your injuries
GET EXPERIENCED LEGAL HELP
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients with a 98% success rate. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and mounting bills.
We offer:
- Free consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront fees – we only get paid when you do
- 24/7 availability because accidents don’t follow business hours
- Aggressive representation against insurance companies
- Personalized attention to your unique situation
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Contact Angel Reyes & Associates today for the experienced legal representation you need to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Remember: The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and contact an experienced car accident attorney who can guide you through the process and fight for your rights.
