What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

October 6, 2025 - Personal Injury

Car accidents in Texas can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re driving to work or heading home, and the next you’re dealing with damaged vehicles, painful injuries, and overwhelming questions about what comes next. At Reyna Law Firm, we know the aftermath of a crash is stressful and confusing, especially when insurance companies and medical bills get involved.

This guide explains what to do after a car accident in Texas, step by step. Following these actions can protect your health, your legal rights, and your chance at fair compensation.

Step 1: Put Safety First

Immediately after the crash, move yourself and others to a safe location if possible. Texas law requires drivers to stop at the scene of the accident. Turn on your hazard lights and, if the vehicles are drivable, move them out of traffic. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), hundreds of crashes occur daily across the state.

If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, medical issues like whiplash or internal bleeding can appear hours or days later. The CDC highlights long-term health effects of car accident injuries. Getting emergency medical help is the most important first step.

Step 2: Call the Police

Texas law requires you to report a crash if it results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Having an official police report creates critical documentation of the accident, including witness statements and officer observations.

When speaking to law enforcement, be truthful but avoid admitting fault. Simply describe the facts of what happened. The police report will play an important role in your personal injury claim later.

Step 3: Exchange Information

You’ll need to exchange contact and insurance details with all drivers involved. Make sure you collect:

• Full names and phone numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance policy details
• License plate numbers
• Vehicle make, model, and color

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information too. Their testimony can be extremely valuable if fault is disputed.

Step 4: Gather Evidence at the Scene

Evidence collected right after the accident can make or break a Texas personal injury case. Use your phone to take:

• Photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles
• Skid marks, debris, or traffic signals nearby
• Injuries you or passengers sustained
• Weather and road conditions

If your injuries prevent you from collecting evidence, ask a trusted friend or family member to do it for you.

Step 5: Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Even if you feel fine, you should still visit a doctor after an accident. The NHTSA emphasizes that seeking medical care immediately after a crash is essential for both safety and legal claims. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. A medical record also provides proof that your injuries were caused by the crash, which is critical for any insurance or legal claim.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. Still, you’ll need to notify your insurance provider. When speaking to them, stick to the facts—do not speculate about fault or the extent of injuries.

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. Before giving a recorded statement or signing documents, consider speaking to an experienced Texas car accident lawyer.

Step 7: Know Your Rights Under Texas Law

Texas law allows accident victims to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death (for surviving family members)

However, Texas also follows comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. Having an attorney by your side ensures your rights are protected.

Step 8: Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer

After a crash, you’re up against insurance companies that have teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. You shouldn’t have to face them alone.

At Reyna Law Firm, we fight for accident victims across Texas and New Mexico, from Houston and San Antonio to Odessa, Lubbock, and El Paso. Our team understands the unique challenges of Texas roadways, from busy city intersections to oilfield highways in West Texas. Reyna Law Firm also represents oilfield and workplace injury victims.

We handle the paperwork, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, take your case to court—so you can focus on healing.

Why Choose Reyna Law Firm?

• Proven Results: Over $1 billion recovered for accident victims.
• Local Experience: Offices across Texas and New Mexico to serve you.
• Personalized Service: We treat clients like family, not case numbers.
• 24/7 Availability: Call us anytime—accidents don’t follow business hours.

Take Action Today

The decisions you make after a car accident in Texas can affect your recovery for years to come. Don’t wait. Protect your future by reaching out to Reyna Law Firm.

📞 Call us 24/7 at 866-918-1994
💻 Visit www.reynainjurylaw.com
📅 Schedule a Free Consultation Today

At Reyna Law Firm, we fight, you heal. Justice starts with one call.