What to Do After a Car Accident: A 10-Step Comprehensive Guide
Car accidents are jarring, chaotic, and often life-changing. One moment you’re driving down a familiar street or sitting at a stoplight, and the next you’re hit with the shock of an impact you never saw coming. In Texas, where highways are busy and traffic conditions can change in seconds, accidents can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle crashes.
In the aftermath, you might feel disoriented, angry, or even numb. Your heart is racing, your mind is flooded with questions — Am I hurt? How bad is my car damaged? What am I supposed to do next? It’s a stressful and overwhelming situation, but the actions you take in the first minutes and hours after a crash can make all the difference for your safety, your recovery, and any potential legal claim you may have.
This guide breaks down, step-by-step, exactly what to do after a car accident in Texas. You’ll learn how to protect yourself physically, document the scene effectively, and understand your rights under Texas law — all so you can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
After a car accident, take a deep breath and focus on staying calm. Assess the situation carefully. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, no matter how minor they may seem, and call for medical assistance if necessary. If the accident is blocking traffic or putting you in danger, move to a safe area if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers approaching the scene. Remaining composed will help you make better decisions and remember important details later.
2. Call the Police
Always contact law enforcement to report the accident, even if it seems minor. In Texas, a police report can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. The responding officer will record details about the crash, the parties involved, and any contributing factors. Be sure to ask for the report number and the officer’s name so you can request a copy later.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Gather the other driver’s:
Full name
Phone number
Address
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Insurance company and policy number
Take photos of their driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate to ensure accuracy. Keep the exchange professional and avoid discussing fault at the scene.
4. Document the Accident Scene
Use your phone to take wide-angle and close-up photos of:
Vehicle damage from multiple angles
Skid marks, debris, and vehicle fluid leaks
Traffic lights, road signs, and street conditions
Weather and lighting conditions
Any visible injuries
If witnesses are present, politely request their contact information so they can be reached for statements later.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Car accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Telling your doctor the injuries are from a car accident ensures they’re documented in your medical record — something that can be vital in a personal injury claim. Keep all medical bills, treatment records, and follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid disputes with the insurance company.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Speaking to a Texas personal injury lawyer early can help protect your rights. An attorney can act quickly to preserve evidence, handle insurance company communications, and ensure deadlines like the two-year statute of limitations are met. They can also calculate the full value of your claim — including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering — so you aren’t pressured into accepting a low settlement.
7. Preserve All Evidence
Start a file dedicated to your accident. Include the police report, medical records, repair estimates, receipts, photographs, witness contact information, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Organized documentation will help your lawyer build a stronger case.
8. Avoid Social Media Discussions
After an accident, it’s natural to want to update friends and family online — but anything you post could be used against you later. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often review social media accounts for evidence that can weaken your claim. Even a seemingly harmless photo of you out with friends could be misinterpreted as proof you aren’t as injured as you say. Refrain from posting accident details, injury updates, or location check-ins until your case is resolved. When in doubt, keep your accounts private and limit online activity to avoid giving the other side unnecessary leverage.
9. Track Your Recovery
Document everything from your accident date to each doctor’s visit, therapy session, and medical expense. Keep a running log of pain levels, limitations, and daily impacts — even photos or videos of your progress. This record isn’t just for personal reference; it can be powerful evidence to show how your injuries have affected your life. The more consistent and organized your tracking, the stronger your case.
10. Know Texas Deadlines
Texas law gives you a limited window to file a personal injury claim — typically two years from the date of the accident. Miss that deadline and you may lose the right to recover damages entirely. Certain cases, like those involving government entities, have even shorter notice periods. An experienced attorney can ensure every filing is timely so you don’t risk your case on a technicality.
A car crash can upend your health, routine, and finances in seconds. You don’t have to navigate every step perfectly; you just need a clear plan and consistency. At The Law Office of Jas Jordan, we know recovering from an injury can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you understand your rights, fight for your case, and secure the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to take the legal battle off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
We’ve got your back every step of the way—because you deserve more than just a lawyer, you deserve a fighter.