If you’ve just been in a car accident, not panicking is easier said than done. It’s completely normal to feel shaken, disoriented, angry, or overwhelmed after a collision.
However, what you do (and don’t do) in the minutes and hours after a crash can seriously affect your safety, your recovery, and the strength of your car accident claim.
At The Stewart Law Firm, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across Central Texas protect their rights after a crash. If you’ve been in a car accident, here are five dos and five don’ts to keep in mind.
5 Things to Do After a Car Accident in Texas
The following are five things you should do after a car accident:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Whether your car accident injury feels serious or minor, it’s important to get medical care right away. Some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) may not cause symptoms until hours or days later.
In addition to protecting your health, visiting a doctor right away ensures there’s a record of your injury, which is essential if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Always report the accident to local authorities. A police report can document what happened and help protect you if the other driver changes their story later.
Without this report, it may come down to your word against the other driver’s.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver and Witnesses
Get the following details from the other driver:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Insurance details
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make and model
- License plate number
Also, collect names and contact info from any witnesses at the scene. This can help your car accident attorney gather evidence if needed.
4. Take Photographs
Use your phone to take clear pictures of:
- All vehicles involved (inside and out)
- Visible injuries
- Road conditions and skid marks
- Traffic signs or signals
- The accident scene from multiple angles
These images can provide important context when negotiating with insurance or presenting a case in court.
5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company of the crash as soon as possible. Provide only the essential facts and avoid speculating or admitting fault.
It’s a good idea to talk with a Texas car accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement.
5 Things You Shouldn’t Do After a Texas Car Accident
Avoid these common mistakes after a crash:
1. Don’t Say “Sorry”
It’s human nature to apologize, but after an accident, saying “I’m sorry” can be taken as admitting fault.
Avoid making any statements about who’s to blame or how you’re feeling until you’ve been examined by a medical professional.
2. Don’t Let the Other Driver Leave the Scene
Even if they offer their contact info, ask them to wait until police arrive.
Also, don’t move your vehicle unless it’s necessary for safety. The police need to see the crash as it happened.
3. Don’t Put Yourself in Danger
If your car is in a hazardous spot or could be hit again, move to a safer area if you’re able.
Your safety should always come first.
4. Don’t Agree to a Recorded Statement Too Soon
Insurance adjusters may ask for a statement soon after the crash. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
They may use your words to reduce or deny your claim.
5. Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement
That first offer may seem tempting, but it might not cover all your medical bills or long-term care.
Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more, even if new injuries or expenses arise.
Why This Matters for Your Claim
In Texas, how you respond after a car accident can affect everything from medical treatment to your eligibility for compensation. Texas uses a modified comparative fault system, which means if you’re found partially at fault, your recovery may be reduced or denied altogether.
That’s why it’s important to act carefully, avoid common mistakes, and get legal advice early. When you follow the right steps, you give your case a stronger foundation.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm Today
At The Stewart Law Firm, we know how overwhelming it can feel after a crash. Our experienced car accident attorney will walk you through your options, help gather the evidence you need, and fight to protect your rights.
We’re based in Austin and serve clients throughout Texas. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward.
