The moments following a car accident can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Whether you’ve been rear-ended on I-45 during rush hour or sideswiped on the Houston beltway, your actions in the minutes and hours after a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Many accident victims make critical mistakes that weaken their injury claims simply because they didn’t know what steps to take. This guide walks you through the essential actions to protect both your health and your legal rights after a car accident in Houston.
Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and all passengers for injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Call 911 immediately if anyone appears hurt, is unconscious, or complains of pain. Some injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage, may not be immediately apparent but require urgent medical attention.
Even if injuries seem minor, requesting police response creates an official accident report, a crucial piece of evidence for any future claim. The Texas Department of Transportation requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to be reported to law enforcement.
Move to Safety When Possible
If vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, Texas law requires drivers to move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking area to prevent additional collisions. However, never move an injured person unless they’re in immediate danger from fire or oncoming traffic; doing so could worsen their injuries.
Turn on hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares if available. Houston’s busy highways make secondary accidents common, so visibility is critical.
Exchange Information Carefully
Collect the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company, and policy number. Also note the make, model, and color of their vehicle.
Be polite but cautious in your conversations. Never admit fault or apologize, even if you think you may have contributed to the accident. Statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be used against you later by insurance adjusters trying to deny or reduce your claim.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Use your smartphone to photograph everything: vehicle damage from multiple angles, debris on the road, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, weather conditions, and visible injuries. Capture the overall accident scene showing the positions of all vehicles involved.
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can provide crucial independent verification of how the accident occurred, especially when the other driver’s account differs from yours.
Don’t Leave Without a Police Report
Wait for law enforcement to arrive and file an official report. Provide factual information about what happened but avoid speculation or admitting fault. Request the officer’s name, badge number, and the report number for your records.
You can obtain a copy of the crash report from the Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records or the responding law enforcement agency within a few days.
Critical Steps in the Days Following the Accident
Seek Medical Evaluation Immediately
Visit a doctor or emergency room within 24 hours of the accident, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms for hours or even days. Delaying medical treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
Medical records create a clear timeline connecting your injuries directly to the collision. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend every appointment, gaps in treatment can be used to dispute your claim.
Notify Insurance Companies Properly
Contact your own insurance company to report the accident, as required by your policy. However, be strategic about what information you provide. Stick to basic facts without embellishing or speculating about injuries or fault.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you, you’re not obligated to give a recorded statement immediately. These statements are often used to trap claimants into saying something that can be twisted to reduce or deny their claims.
Preserve All Evidence
Keep everything related to the accident: medical bills, prescription receipts, repair estimates, rental car invoices, and pay stubs showing lost wages. Take photos of your injuries as they heal. Create a daily journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and how injuries affect your daily activities.
This documentation builds a comprehensive picture of your damages and suffering, which is essential for recovering fair compensation.
Avoid Social Media
Insurance adjusters routinely search claimants’ social media profiles for posts, photos, or check-ins that contradict injury claims. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering doesn’t mean you’re not in pain, but adjusters will use it to argue otherwise. Make your profiles private and avoid posting anything about the accident or your injuries.
When You Need Legal Representation
While minor accidents with no injuries might be handled independently, most collision cases benefit from skilled legal guidance. Consider reaching out for help when you’re dealing with serious injuries from reckless driving, intoxicated drivers, or distracted driving accidents.
An attorney becomes essential when:
- Your injuries require extensive medical treatment or have lasting effects
- The insurance company disputes fault or offers inadequate compensation
- Multiple parties or vehicles were involved
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- You’re being pressured to settle quickly
Protecting Your Rights with Car Wreck Texas
Car Wreck Texas brings a unique advantage to Houston accident victims. Our managing attorney, Steve Hollingsworth, spent years representing major insurance companies before dedicating his practice to helping injured Texans. This insider knowledge means we understand every tactic insurers use to minimize payouts, because Steve helped develop those strategies.
As a former Harris County assistant district attorney who rose to felony prosecutor, Steve honed his trial skills early in his career. He’s tried over 50 cases as lead counsel throughout Texas and has helped clients recover millions in compensation. Our firm handles all types of vehicle accidents, from standard collisions to complex drowsy driving cases and weather-related accidents.
We work on a contingency fee basis, no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t navigate this process alone. Contact Car Wreck Texas at 713-999-8773 for a free consultation. Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on healing.
