What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in Texas

25 Aug 2025

Car accidents happen every 10 minutes in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Whether you’re driving through Houston traffic, commuting in Dallas, or picking up kids from school in Austin, a crash can change everything in seconds.

The steps you take in the first 24 hours after a car accident will affect your recovery, your insurance claim, and your financial security. This guide explains how to protect your health, document the accident, and safeguard your legal rights.

Immediate Scene Safety: Your First Priority

Check for Injuries and Get to Safety

Right after impact, check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs urgent medical attention.

If the vehicle involved still runs, move it out of traffic to prevent further collisions. Safely move to a shoulder or parking lot. Turn on hazard lights. If the car can’t be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

Call 911: Texas Law Requirements

Texas law requires drivers to report the accident if it involves injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000. Always call the police—even in minor collisions—because an official crash report protects you from disputes later.

When officers arrive, provide accurate details. Share what you saw but avoid admitting fault. Ask for the officer’s badge number and when the crash report will be available. Insurance companies often rely on this report when deciding fault.

Secure the Scene for Everyone’s Protection

Use hazard lights, flares, or cones if you have them. Keep all passengers and others away from moving traffic. Turn off engines to reduce fire risk. Never move someone with a serious injury unless they face immediate danger.

Critical Documentation

Exchange Information

Texas law requires all drivers involved in the accident to exchange information. Collect:

Full name and contact information
Driver’s license number
Insurance company and policy number
Vehicle details (make, model, VIN, and license plate number)

Take photos of these documents instead of writing numbers down. This reduces errors and speeds up the process.

Remember what NOT to do: never admit fault, apologize, or speculate about the cause. Even saying “I’m sorry this happened” can be twisted into an admission of guilt. Be polite but stick to basic facts.

Document Everything

Take photos of:

Vehicle damage from multiple angles
Road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals
Property damage such as guardrails or signs
Injuries (with consent)
Surrounding businesses or cameras that may have recorded the accident

These records strengthen your insurance claim and prevent disputes about property damage or the extent of injuries.

Speak to Witnesses

If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact information before they leave. A short statement—written or recorded—can be valuable if insurance companies challenge your version of events.

Medical Attention: Protect Your Health and Your Claim

See a Doctor Even If You Feel Fine

Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can hide injuries. Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding often appear hours later. Visiting a car accident doctor within 24 hours protects your health and creates medical records that link your injuries to the accident.

This documentation is vital when filing an insurance claim. Without medical proof, insurers may argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.

Some people worry: “Will going to the doctor hurt my insurance rates?” Medical treatment doesn’t affect your rates if you weren’t at fault. More importantly, untreated injuries can cost thousands more in long-term care and lost wages.

Follow Medical Recommendations Exactly

Attend follow-up appointments, take prescribed medication, and document symptoms. Keep all medical receipts, including prescriptions and co-payments. Insurance adjusters often review treatment consistency when evaluating claims.

Gaps in care give insurers grounds to argue injuries are minor. Complete records strengthen your case for fair compensation.

Insurance and Legal Protection: Safeguard Your Interests

Contact Your Insurance Company Strategically

Most auto insurance policies require you to report the accident within 24 to 72 hours. Provide basic details: location, time, and vehicles involved. Avoid discussing fault or injuries until you’ve spoken with a doctor.

Ask your insurer about rental coverage, medical payments, and repair processes. Understanding your policy prevents surprises during recovery.

Handle the Other Driver’s Insurance Carefully

The other driver’s insurance company may call quickly. Be cautious. Provide only basic facts and never give a recorded statement without legal advice. Adjusters often try to minimize payouts or pressure victims into quick settlements.

If you receive early settlement offers, remember: the true cost of medical treatment and lost wages often isn’t clear for weeks or months. Settling too soon can leave you paying out of pocket later.

Understand Texas-Specific Legal Requirements

Comparative Negligence: If you are partly at fault, your recovery is reduced by your share of responsibility. Over 50% fault bars recovery.
Filing Deadline: You typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines.
Uninsured Drivers: Texas has a high rate of uninsured drivers. If the driver involved lacks insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage may be the only source of recovery.

Protecting Your Financial Future

Document All Accident-Related Expenses

Keep records of:

Medical bills and prescriptions
Lost wages and employer letters
Rental car expenses
Repair estimates and receipts
Childcare or transportation costs

These expenses are compensable as part of an insurance claim or lawsuit. Many families overlook indirect costs, but they add up quickly.

Protect Your Digital Footprint

Avoid posting about the accident or recovery. Insurance companies monitor social platforms for evidence to challenge claims. Even a simple post or smiling photo can be misinterpreted as proof you aren’t seriously injured.

Your Next Steps: Act Today

The first 24 hours after a car accident in Texas are critical. By calling the police, exchanging information, seeking medical care, and protecting your legal rights, you lay the foundation for recovery and compensation.

Insurance companies have lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same. At Universal Law Group, our Texas car accident attorneys combine legal knowledge with practical guidance to protect Texas families after serious accidents. We help clients manage insurance claims, recover compensation, and protect their future.