What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

Start with safety

Move out of active traffic when it is safe to do so, check whether anyone needs emergency assistance, and call 911 for injuries or an unsafe roadway. Do not leave a collision involving an injury or death before completing the duties required by Texas law.

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries.
• Use hazard lights and move to a safe location when possible.
• Request police and medical help when the circumstances require it.

Exchange and preserve information

Record the other driver’s name, contact details, insurer, policy information, vehicle details, and license plate. Photograph the vehicles, road, traffic controls, visible injuries, and wider scene if it can be done safely.

Keep medical records, repair estimates, towing bills, rental costs, and insurer communications. A contemporaneous note describing what happened may be useful later.

Understand the collision report

Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, an investigating officer must prepare a written collision report when a crash results in injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $1,000 to any one person. The officer—not the driver—files that report with the Texas Department of Transportation.

Be careful with early conclusions

Fault, insurance coverage, medical causation, and claim value can depend on facts that are not clear at the scene. Give accurate information, but avoid guessing. Before signing a release or accepting a final settlement, understand which claims the document ends.

Deadlines vary by claim and defendant. Government claims may have special notice requirements. A Texas-licensed attorney can assess a specific incident.