A car accident can leave you feeling shaken and unsure about what comes next. You may be dealing with injuries, missed time at work, and questions about how you will pay for everything. Taking the right actions after a crash can help you protect your health and preserve important information.
This blog walks you through what to do after a car accident in Houston, from getting medical care to contacting your insurance company. It also explains common mistakes to avoid after a crash and the deadline to file a lawsuit in Texas.
At Texas Lawyers 365, we know the days after a collision can be stressful and confusing. Our Houston car accident lawyers are ready to help.
Steps to Take After a Car Crash in Houston
The moments after a Houston car accident can be confusing. Knowing what to do can help you protect your health, document what happened, and preserve important information.
Check for Injuries and Move to Safety if Possible
First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone needs emergency care, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. If you can safely do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to reduce the risk of another collision. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights while waiting for help.
Avoid moving someone who appears seriously injured unless there is immediate danger.
Report the Auto Accident
Call 911 or local law enforcement when appropriate and remain at the scene. When speaking with police, stick to the facts and avoid guessing about what happened. If officers respond, request an official accident report and ask how you can obtain a copy.
If police do not come to the scene because it is a minor crash with no injuries, you must complete a Blue Form, which is a self-reporting crash report filed with the Texas Department of Transportation. Keep a copy of anything you submit.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Get their name, phone number, license information, insurance details, and license plate number. If possible, take photos of the other vehicle and its license plate. Avoid arguing about who caused the accident or making statements that could be misunderstood.
Document the Scene and Get Witness Information
If it is safe, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture the vehicles involved, skid marks or debris, road conditions, traffic signs, nearby intersections, and anything else that may help show what happened. Take pictures of any visible injuries. Document the scene from different angles and do not edit photos and videos.
If anyone witnessed the crash, ask for their name and contact information. If a witness is willing, ask for a brief description of what they saw. Save their contact information with your other accident records. Witness statements can be important evidence.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay immediately after a crash, consider getting medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not cause noticeable symptoms right away, while others can become more painful over the following hours or days.
A medical professional can evaluate you, document your condition, and recommend appropriate treatment. Follow care instructions and keep records.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible and provide accurate information about what happened. Review your policy so you understand your reporting requirements and available coverage. Be careful when discussing your injuries or the extent of your losses before you know the full impact of the crash. Keep copies of all communications.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car crash, talking with a lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Our Houston car accident lawyers fight for people hurt by careless or reckless drivers. We can gather evidence and communicate with adjusters.
Track All Your Losses
Keep detailed records of the financial losses and other impacts caused by the accident. Save medical bills, pharmacy receipts, hospital records, therapy expenses, and other documentation. Keep records of mileage or transportation costs. If you miss work, save pay stubs and other documents showing your lost income.
It can also help to keep a personal journal of how your injuries affect your daily activities and quality of life. These records can provide useful documentation for a Houston car accident case.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Houston Car Accident Case
After a car accident, it is easy to make decisions before you have had time to understand what happened or how seriously you may be injured. You may want to reassure the other driver, put off medical care because you feel fine, or accept a settlement offer because you need money for immediate expenses.
Unfortunately, mistakes can make it harder to protect your interests later.
Delays or Gaps in Treatment
Some car accident injuries may not be immediately obvious, and symptoms can develop or become more noticeable hours or even days after a collision. Delaying care can also make it harder to show the crash caused your injuries.
Gaps in treatment can also hurt your Houston car accident case. If you cannot attend an appointment, communicate with your doctor and reschedule when appropriate.
Apologizing or Admitting Fault
You may feel tempted to apologize after a crash, even if you are trying to be polite or calm a stressful situation. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission that you caused the accident. Even saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” can potentially be taken out of context.
When describing what happened to police, stick to what you personally know and avoid guessing about what caused the collision. Be careful about what you say to adjusters.
Giving a Recorded Statement
After a crash, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you and ask for a recorded statement. The representative may sound friendly and say they want to understand what happened. However, you are not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and anything you say could later be used when evaluating your claim.
Before agreeing to a recorded statement, consider talking with a Houston car accident lawyer. An attorney can communicate with adjusters and protect your rights. If a statement is appropriate, your lawyer can help you prepare.
Posting on Social Media
Be cautious about posting anything related to your car accident, injuries, recovery, or activities on social media. Photos, videos, comments, and even seemingly harmless updates may be misinterpreted. For example, adjusters may point to a post about a night out with friends to minimize your pain.
Check your privacy settings and consider a break from social media until your case is over.
Settling a Car Accident Claim Too Quickly
If you are facing medical bills, missed paychecks, and other expenses, receiving a check can seem appealing. However, accepting a settlement usually means you cannot seek additional compensation later. This can be especially concerning if you are still receiving treatment or do not yet know whether you will need additional medical care.
A Houston car accident lawyer can review whether the amount is appropriate based on your circumstances. Getting legal guidance can help you make an informed decision.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
If you are injured in a car accident, Texas law gives you a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
Some exceptions can change how the deadline applies. For example, Texas has special rules for certain people, including children under 18 and people who are not legally competent. It is a good idea to speak with a lawyer about your specific situation rather than assuming the standard two-year deadline applies.
Important information can disappear or become harder to obtain over time. Witnesses may forget what they saw, surveillance footage may be erased, and records or other evidence may become more difficult to obtain. Seeking legal help early can strengthen your case.
Contact Texas Lawyers 365 for a Free Case Review
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can be stressful, especially when you are trying to recover while handling medical bills and missed work. You do not have to figure out your legal options on your own. At Texas Lawyers 365, our team can listen to what happened and answer your questions.
Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you. If you were injured in a Houston car accident, call 800-800-8000 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
