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

The minutes and days after a car accident can be chaotic — but the steps you take right away shape everything that follows, from your medical recovery to your insurance settlement. This short guide walks through the essentials for anyone in a Houston or Texas crash.

📞 Step 1 — Call 911 and Check for Injuries

Check yourself and your passengers. Stay still if you suspect a neck or back injury until paramedics arrive. Texas law generally requires reporting any crash involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage — and calling 911 creates the official record your case will depend on.

📸 Step 2 — Document the Scene

Your phone is your best evidence tool. Before anything is moved, take photos and video of:

• All vehicle damage — wide shots and close-ups

• License plates and the surrounding intersection

• Road signs, skid marks, and debris

• The other driver's insurance card and license

• Your own visible injuries and weather/road conditions

🖊️ Step 3 — Exchange Info and Get Witnesses

Stay civil and brief. Get the other driver's name, phone, license number, insurance info, and plate. Then get contact info from any witnesses before they leave — an independent witness is often the single most valuable piece of evidence. One key thing to avoid: never apologize or say “I'm sorry.” Even casual words can be twisted by adjusters into an admission of fault.

🏥 Step 4 — Get Medical Attention Right Away

Adrenaline masks pain. Soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries often don't show up for 24–72 hours. See a doctor the same day — at the ER, urgent care, or EMS at the scene. Delays give insurers ammunition to argue your injuries weren't caused by the crash.

🔒 Step 5 — Be Careful With Insurance

Report the accident to your own insurance within 24 hours — that's usually required by your policy. But don't:

• Give a recorded statement to the OTHER driver's insurance

• Accept a quick “cash settlement” before seeing a doctor

• Sign any release or waiver without attorney review

The other driver's insurer is not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.

⚖️ Step 6 — Contact a Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Most Texas personal injury attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. A lawyer handles the insurance company, calculates the true value of your damages (including future medical care and pain and suffering), and makes sure every deadline is met. The sooner you involve counsel, the better: video, vehicle data, and witness memory all fade fast.

Key Texas & Houston Facts

• Two years. That's generally how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Claims against government entities can be much shorter — sometimes six months.

• 51% rule. If you're partially at fault, your recovery is reduced. If you're 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

• TxDOT CR-3 reports. Your official Texas crash report is available online through the TxDOT Crash Records Information System a few days after the accident.

Quick FAQ

What if the other driver was uninsured?

If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy, your insurance covers the damages. Many Texas drivers have this coverage without knowing it — check your declarations page.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor crash?

Not always — but a free consultation costs nothing and often reveals whether your case is worth significantly more than the first insurance offer.

Injured in a Car Accident in Houston?

The Law Office of Jason Castaneda represents accident victims across Houston and Harris County. We handle communication with insurance companies, gather the evidence your case needs, and fight for the compensation you deserve — with no fees unless we win.

📞 Call today for a free consultation: (713) 808-9696

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Every case is different. If you've been injured in an accident, consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific situation. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.