A car accident can leave you dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies. What you do in the hours and days after a crash can affect your ability to file a strong personal injury claim. Many drivers make small mistakes that end up costing them fair compensation. In Texas, where fault plays a key role in accident claims, avoiding these errors is critical.
In this blog, we cover the five most common car accident mistakes to avoid after a crash in Texas and explain how working with an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Mistake #1: Not Calling the Police
Failing to call the police after a car accident is one of the most common and damaging mistakes drivers in Texas make. A police report can make a significant difference in proving what happened and supporting your car accident claim.
Why You Must Call the Police in Texas
Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.026, drivers must report a crash to the police if it causes injury, death, or damage that prevents any vehicle from being driven safely. Many car accident victims skip this step, especially in minor accidents. Doing so can harm their ability to file a strong personal injury claim later.
Even if you think the accident is not serious, always contact law enforcement. The police officer will document the accident date, the vehicles involved, and issue a report. This report becomes important evidence for insurance claims and legal disputes.
The Role of a Police Report in Insurance Claims
Insurance companies rely on police reports to decide fault and settle claims. If there is no official report, the driver’s insurance company or the other party’s insurance adjuster may deny your claim or delay processing it. Without documentation, it becomes your word against the other driver’s.
The report often includes critical details such as witness statements, vehicle damage, and road conditions. These details can support your right to fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
Protect Yourself at the Scene of the Accident
At the scene of the accident, stay calm and wait for the police to arrive. Give the officer factual statements and request a copy of the report for your records. Do not guess or assume anything about fault.
Mistake #2: Refusing or Delaying Medical Attention
Many car accident victims delay or refuse medical care, thinking they are fine. This is a critical mistake that can harm both your health and your personal injury claim.
Why Immediate Medical Attention Matters
Not all injuries are visible right away. Conditions like internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or concussions may take hours or even days to show symptoms. If you wait to get treated, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Texas law does not require immediate care, but delaying medical attention can create gaps in your medical records. These gaps are often used by defense attorneys and insurance adjusters to weaken your personal injury claim.
How Delayed Treatment Affects Your Claim
When you delay treatment, you give the other party’s insurance adjuster a reason to deny or reduce your accident claim. They may suggest that your injuries were minor or not serious enough to require care.
You should always seek care right after the accident date, even if the injury seems small. Emergency room visits, urgent care records, and doctor notes help prove your medical expenses are related to the crash.
Document All Medical Care and Follow Instructions
Keep a full record of all medical treatment. This includes visits to doctors, specialists, physical therapy, and prescriptions. Save all medical bills and make sure your car accident lawyer receives copies.
Failing to follow up with care can also hurt your claim. If you skip appointments or stop treatment early, insurance companies may argue you made your injury worse.
Mistake #3: Admitting Fault or Saying Too Much
What you say after a car accident can be used against you. Admitting fault or giving unnecessary details can hurt your case and lower your chance of fair compensation.
Why You Should Not Admit Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages. Even if you are less than 50 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Saying “I’m sorry” or accepting blame at the scene of the accident can be seen as an admission. These words can be used by insurance companies, defense attorneys, or the other party’s insurance adjuster to shift fault onto you.
Stick to Factual Statements Only
Always give factual statements when speaking to a police officer or filing your report. Avoid guessing or making assumptions. If you do not know something, say so.
Do not discuss fault or say how the crash happened in detail to the other driver. Let the investigation and evidence determine what occurred. Your job is to report the accident date, vehicles involved, and any known facts.
Let Your Car Accident Lawyer Handle the Details
The driver’s insurance company may try to contact you for a recorded statement. You are not required to speak to them. Politely decline and refer them to your car accident attorney.
Mistake #4: Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Without a Lawyer
Talking to the other driver’s insurance company without legal help is one of the most serious car accident mistakes. What you say can be used to weaken or deny your claim.
Insurance Adjusters Are Not on Your Side
The other party’s insurance adjuster works to protect their company, not you. Their goal is to limit the amount paid or avoid payment entirely. They may sound polite, but their questions are often designed to get you to say something that harms your case.
If you give a recorded statement, even simple answers can be used to suggest that your injury is minor or that you were at fault. These statements can reduce your chance of receiving a fair settlement.
You Are Not Required to Speak With Them
Texas law does not require you to speak with the driver’s insurance company. You have the right to direct all communication to your car accident attorney. Letting your lawyer handle these calls helps prevent mistakes and protects your claim.
Do not discuss your medical treatment, vehicle damage, or the accident scene with the adjuster. Any statement you make can be taken out of context and used against you later.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Helps You Avoid Car Accident Mistakes
An experienced attorney will manage all contact with the insurance company, help organize your medical records, and ensure no misleading statements are made. Lawyers know how to respond to adjusters, file your insurance claims, and push for fair compensation.
Mistake #5: Settling Too Soon Without Knowing the Full Costs
Many accident victims accept fast settlements without knowing the total cost of their injuries and damages. This mistake can leave you with unpaid bills and no legal options.
Early Offers Often Favor the Insurance Company
After a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company may offer a quick payout. These offers often come before you know the full extent of your injuries, your need for future medical treatment, or your total lost income.
These early settlements may not cover long-term medical expenses, vehicle damage, or ongoing care. Once you accept an offer, you cannot ask for more, even if new issues arise.
Understand the Full Impact Before Settling
It takes time to gather complete medical records, assess your injuries, and calculate your total accident-related expenses. Rushing this process can result in a settlement that does not reflect the true value of your personal injury claim.
You need to know the cost of all treatments, lost work, and any future care before agreeing to any deal. Accepting too soon is one of the most damaging car accident mistakes a person can make.
Get Legal Advice Before You Sign Anything
A car accident lawyer can review any offer and compare it to your actual damages. Lawyers know how to handle insurance adjusters and push for a fair settlement that reflects the real cost of your injuries.
Consult With an Experienced Dallas Car Accident Attorney ASAP!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, don’t let common mistakes jeopardize your claim. Our team at Texas Lawyers 365 is here to provide the guidance and support you need. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your rights.
Contact us at 800-800-8000 for a free claim review today!
