What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Houston, TX: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: After a car accident in Houston, check for injuries and call 911, move to a safe spot if your vehicle can be driven, exchange information with the other driver, photograph the scene, get medical care, and report the crash to your insurer. Do not admit fault, and talk with a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.

A car accident is jarring, even when it looks minor. Houston’s freeways, feeder roads, and heavy traffic make crashes a daily reality, and the choices you make in the first minutes and hours can affect your health, your insurance claim, and your legal rights for years. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in order, and what to avoid.

What should you do right after a car accident in Houston?

Follow these ten steps. If you are hurt, steps 1, 2, and 8 come first, and everything else can wait.

1. Stop, stay put, and check for injuries

Never leave the scene. Under Texas law, drivers involved in a crash must stop and stay at (or return to) the scene, and leaving can lead to serious criminal charges. Check yourself first, then your passengers, then the people in the other vehicle. If someone is seriously injured, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire.

2. Call 911

Report the accident and request police and medical help if anyone may be hurt. In Houston, responding officers will typically be from the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, or the Texas Department of Public Safety, depending on where the crash happened. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any claim. Ask the officer for the report number before you leave.

3. Move to safety if you can

If the crash is minor and your vehicle can be driven, Texas law expects you to move it out of the travel lanes to a shoulder or nearby safe location. Turn on your hazard lights. If the car cannot be moved or someone is seriously hurt, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on or get to a safe place away from traffic.

4. Exchange information

Get the other driver’s full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance company and policy number. Provide yours as well. Keep the conversation factual and brief.

5. Document everything

Use your phone to take photos and video before vehicles are moved, if it is safe to do so. Capture damage to all vehicles from multiple angles, license plates, skid marks, debris, traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Write down the time, location, and what happened while it is fresh in your mind.

6. Collect witness information

Independent witnesses can be extremely valuable if the other driver later disputes what happened. Ask for names and phone numbers, and if they are willing, a brief statement of what they saw.

7. Do not admit fault

Even a polite “I’m so sorry” can be twisted into an admission later. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and the police. Fault is determined after an investigation, not at the roadside, and you may not yet know all the factors involved.

8. Get medical attention right away

See a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain, and common crash injuries like whiplash, concussions, back injuries, and internal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Follow your treatment plan and keep every record, bill, and prescription.

9. Report the accident to your insurance company

Notify your insurer promptly and stick to the basic facts. In addition, if police did not file a report and the crash caused injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage, Texas generally requires you to submit a crash report (Form CR-2) to the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days.

10. Talk to a personal injury attorney before you settle

The other driver’s insurance adjuster may call you quickly, sound friendly, and offer a fast settlement. Early offers are often far lower than what your claim is actually worth, and once you accept, the case is over. A short conversation with an attorney can help you understand your rights before you say or sign anything. The Law Office of Myron G. Davis offers a free initial phone consultation at (713) 236-0800.

What should you avoid doing after a car accident?

Some common mistakes can quietly damage an otherwise strong claim:

• Leaving the scene. This can result in criminal charges and hurt your credibility.

• Admitting fault or guessing. Say “I’m not sure” rather than speculate about speed, distance, or cause.

• Skipping medical care. Gaps in treatment give insurers an argument that you were not really hurt.

• Giving a recorded statement to the other insurer. You are not required to, and it can be used against you.

• Posting on social media. Photos, check-ins, and comments about the accident or your activities can be taken out of context.

• Accepting a quick settlement. You may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or future medical costs.

• Repairing your vehicle too soon. Keep the damage as evidence until it has been documented and inspected.

How does fault work in a Texas car accident?

Texas is an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for the resulting damages. Texas also uses a modified comparative fault rule, sometimes called the 51% rule. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages from the other party. Because insurers sometimes try to shift blame onto injured drivers, the evidence you gather at the scene matters.

Texas also requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 30/60/25, meaning $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. In a serious crash, those limits can be exhausted quickly, which is why reviewing all available coverage, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, is important.

How long do you have to file a car accident claim in Texas?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Exceptions can apply, and insurance claims have their own notice requirements, so do not wait. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to find over time.

What compensation may be available after a car accident?

Depending on the facts of your case, an injured person may be able to seek compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Physical impairment or disfigurement

• Vehicle repair or replacement and other property damage

Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts and the law.

When should you call a Houston car accident attorney?

Consider speaking with an attorney as soon as possible if any of the following apply:

• You or a passenger were injured, especially if treatment is ongoing

• Fault is disputed or the other driver blames you

• The other driver was uninsured, underinsured, or left the scene

• A commercial vehicle, rideshare, or multiple vehicles were involved

• The insurance company is pressuring you, delaying, or offering a low settlement

An experienced attorney can investigate the crash, preserve evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on recovery. Learn more about our personal injury practice, read about attorney Myron G. Davis, or see what past clients have said.

Car accident FAQs for Houston drivers