Car accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how cautious you are behind the wheel. In a fast-paced city like Houston, collisions are unfortunately common. Knowing exactly what to do after an accident can make a major difference in how well you recover, both physically and financially.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2023 alone, there were also 15,227 serious injury crashes in Texas in 2023, with 18,765 people sustaining serious injuries as a result. These alarming numbers highlight how common and devastating roadway accidents can be, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families.
Many of these accidents occurred in busy metropolitan areas such as Houston. These alarming numbers highlight the importance of being prepared and informed. The moments following an accident can feel chaotic, but by following this complete checklist, you can protect your health, your legal rights, and your chances of receiving fair compensation with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.
Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety
Your safety and the safety of others is always the top priority. Once the crash occurs, take a few deep breaths to stay calm and focused. Then, take the following steps carefully and deliberately.
Check for injuries. Examine yourself, your passengers, and others involved for visible injuries. Even if you feel fine, you may have internal or delayed symptoms like whiplash or a concussion. Seek medical help right away if anyone is hurt.
Move to a safe area. If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road to prevent further danger. Turn on your hazard lights and place safety cones or triangles if available to alert other drivers.
Call 911. Texas law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. A police officer will file an official report that can become vital evidence for insurance or legal claims later.
Avoid arguing or admitting fault. Emotions can run high after a crash, but never admit blame or make assumptions about what happened. Let the investigation and evidence determine liability.
Document the scene. Take clear photographs and videos of the vehicles, license plates, traffic lights, skid marks, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence will help support your claim later.
Exchange Information and Identify Witnesses
Once everyone is safe and the authorities are on the way, start collecting essential details from all parties involved.
Exchange driver information. Get the other driver’s name, contact number, address, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance policy details. Verify that all details are accurate before you leave the scene.
Talk to witnesses. If there were any bystanders who saw the accident, politely ask for their names, phone numbers, and brief statements about what they saw. Witness testimony can be extremely helpful if fault is disputed.
Obtain police details. Write down the officer’s name, badge number, and the police report number. This will help you retrieve the full report later for your insurance or legal representative.
Make personal notes. Record the time of the crash, the location, lighting conditions, and weather details. Include small but important details such as nearby landmarks or road signs that might have influenced the incident.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, always get checked by a medical professional. Certain injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not appear until hours or days later.
A medical evaluation creates official documentation that links your injuries directly to the accident, which is vital when filing an insurance or personal injury claim. Keep copies of all medical records, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments.
If symptoms worsen or new ones appear, return to your doctor promptly. Doing so not only protects your health but also shows that you took responsible and timely steps to manage your injuries.
Report the Accident and Notify Your Insurance Company
Once the immediate crisis has passed, it is time to complete the required reports and notify your insurance provider.
Contact your insurance company. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of any accident. When speaking to the insurance representative, provide factual information about the incident without speculation or guesses.
Get a copy of the police report. The police report includes essential details such as fault determination, witness statements, and diagrammatic evidence. You can usually obtain this report through the Houston Police Department or TxDOT’s online crash report portal.
File a CR-2 form if necessary. If the police do not file a report, you may be required to submit your own report (the Blue Form CR-2) to the Texas Department of Transportation within ten days of the crash.
Keep all records. Organize all correspondence, claim numbers, repair estimates, and communications with adjusters in one place. Maintaining a detailed file will make the process smoother later.
Preserve Evidence and Protect Your Claim
Evidence plays a major role in how insurance companies and courts determine compensation. Make sure you preserve every piece of relevant information.
Save all photos and videos. Back them up on a computer or secure cloud storage. Avoid editing or deleting any files, as original timestamps may help prove when the photos were taken.
Do not post about the accident on social media. Anything you post online could be used by the opposing party to weaken your claim. Stay cautious and avoid sharing details publicly.
Be mindful of communications. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Do not provide recorded statements or sign any documents before consulting with an attorney.
Track all expenses. Keep receipts for towing, vehicle repairs, medical bills, and even transportation costs related to medical visits. These records will support your demand for reimbursement.
Understand Texas Accident and Insurance Laws
Familiarizing yourself with Texas laws will help you make informed decisions about your case.
Texas is a fault-based state. This means the person responsible for the accident must pay for damages through their insurance company.
Comparative negligence rule. Under Texas law, if you share part of the blame, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your recovery will be reduced by that amount.
Statute of limitations. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Insurance challenges. It is common for insurers to delay or deny claims, offer low settlements, or dispute liability. Understanding your rights will help you counter such tactics effectively.
When to Call a Houston Car Accident Attorney
While some minor fender benders can be resolved directly through insurance, serious accidents or disputed cases often require professional legal help.
A car accident attorney can:
- Investigate the cause of the crash and collect strong evidence
- Evaluate your medical records and financial losses
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary
- Help you recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term care
Having an attorney ensures you do not get taken advantage of during the settlement process. Legal professionals understand how to handle the complex paperwork and communication required after a crash.
Houston Car Accident Checklist Recap
Here is a quick summary of what to do after a car accident in Houston:
- Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately
- Move vehicles to safety and turn on hazard lights
- Exchange information with drivers and gather witness contacts
- Document the scene with photos and videos
- Seek medical evaluation right away
- Notify your insurance company and get the police report
- Keep all documentation and receipts in one place
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media
- Consult a qualified car accident attorney before signing anything
How Lakhani & McGrath, PLLC Can Help
When you are involved in a car accident, navigating insurance claims and legal paperwork can feel overwhelming. At Lakhani & McGrath, PLLC, we understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to protecting your rights.
Our experienced attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, communicate directly with insurance adjusters, and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. We handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Lakhani & McGrath, PLLC proudly serves accident victims throughout Houston and Texas. Whether your case involves minor injuries or life-changing damages, we will provide you with the personalized legal services you deserve.
Reach out to Lakhani & McGrath, PLLC today for a free consultation and let our team fight for justice on your behalf.
