What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Texas?

Being involved in a car accident can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, the confusion, fear, and adrenaline rush can make it hard to think clearly. However, the steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after the crash can make a major difference in your physical recovery—and your legal claim.

At Mahdavi Law Firm, we represent car accident victims throughout Texas, helping them recover compensation for their injuries, property damage, and losses. This guide outlines what you need to do immediately after an auto accident to protect your health, your rights, and your financial future.

1. Ensure Safety First

The safety of everyone involved is the top priority. If you are able to move, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.

In Texas, it is required by law to stop at the scene of any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Leaving the scene could result in criminal charges—even if you were not at fault.

If the vehicles are drivable and there are no serious injuries, try to move to the shoulder or a safer location to avoid further collisions. Use hazard lights, cones, or flares if available to warn other drivers.

2. Call Law Enforcement

Even in relatively minor accidents, it’s important to call the police and request that they come to the scene. A police report provides an objective third-party account of the incident and can play a crucial role in your insurance claim or potential personal injury case.

When speaking to the officer, stick to the facts. Avoid speculating or guessing about what happened. Once the report is completed, request a copy or ask how to obtain one later from the appropriate agency.

3. Exchange Information

Texas law requires all drivers involved in an accident to exchange the following:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance provider and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and color

Be respectful and cooperative, but do not admit fault. Even saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” could be used against you later as an admission of liability.

4. Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, begin gathering evidence immediately. This documentation can be essential to proving your version of events and supporting your injury claim.

Take photos or videos of:

• All vehicles involved, from multiple angles
• Visible injuries
• Skid marks, glass, or debris
• Road signs, signals, or obstructions
• Weather and lighting conditions
• Surrounding environment (e.g., intersections, businesses, cameras nearby)

Also, try to get contact info from any witnesses and ask for a brief statement about what they saw. Witness testimony can be very helpful, especially if fault is disputed.

5. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Many people underestimate the extent of their injuries after a crash, especially with the surge of adrenaline that often follows. You may feel fine at first, only to experience stiffness, headaches, or other symptoms hours or days later.

Some common post-accident injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue damage
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Back and spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding

Prompt medical attention not only protects your health, but it also documents your injuries in real time—crucial for a successful injury claim. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and keep detailed records of diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and medical bills.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

You must report the accident to your auto insurance provider—usually within 24 to 72 hours. Provide basic facts about the crash, but avoid offering a detailed narrative or accepting fault.

If the other party’s insurer contacts you, do not give a recorded statement or agree to a quick settlement without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts—not protecting your interests.

7. Track All Expenses and Losses

The financial impact of a car accident can be significant. In addition to medical expenses, you may also face:

• Lost wages if you’re unable to work
• Costs of a rental vehicle
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Out-of-pocket expenses (gas to medical visits, co-pays, etc.)
• Home modifications or mobility devices if you’ve suffered a permanent injury

Keep all receipts, bills, and documents related to your accident. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim.

8. Avoid Posting on Social Media

What you post online can be used against you. Even innocent photos or status updates can be misinterpreted by insurance adjusters or opposing attorneys to suggest that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.

Until your case is resolved, avoid posting about the accident, your recovery, or your daily activities.

9. Know the Statute of Limitations in Texas

Texas law imposes strict deadlines—known as the statute of limitations—on personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

However, some exceptions may apply (for example, if the at-fault driver was a government employee or agency), which can shorten or extend the deadline. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a successful case.

10. Contact Mahdavi Law Firm

Handling a personal injury claim on your own can be stressful, time-consuming, and risky—especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Insurance companies often try to lowball settlements or deny claims altogether. At Mahdavi Law Firm, we take the burden off your shoulders.

When you work with us, we will:

• Conduct a full investigation into the crash
• Collect medical records and expert testimony
• Handle all communication with insurers
• Evaluate the full value of your claim
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
• Take your case to trial if necessary

And with our no-win, no-fee policy, you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Texas can make all the difference. Prioritizing your safety, gathering evidence, and getting prompt legal help are essential steps to protect your health, your rights, and your future.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, reach out to Mahdavi Law Firm for a free consultation. Let us focus on the legal fight—so you can focus on healing.