This Blog was published by Carabin Shaw Personal Injury Lawyers – San Antonio Car Accident Attorneys
What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Texans are involved in car accidents that leave them dealing with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and damaged vehicles. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, knowing what steps to take in the aftermath can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation. Experienced car accident lawyers in Houston at Carabin Shaw have spent decades helping crash victims across Texas navigate these difficult situations. Whether you were rear-ended on a busy highway or struck by a distracted driver at an intersection, having the right car accident attorneys on your side matters more than most people realize.
The moments and days following a car accident are often chaotic and overwhelming. Victims are dealing with pain, confusion, and pressure from insurance adjusters who want to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. That is exactly why car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw encourage every crash victim to understand their rights before making any decisions. The car accident attorneys in Austin at Carabin Shaw have seen firsthand how people unknowingly damage their own claims by saying the wrong thing to an insurance company or failing to document their injuries. Texas car accident lawyers know that protecting your case starts at the scene of the crash and continues long after the dust settles.
Too many car accident victims in Texas assume the process will be straightforward. They believe the at-fault driver’s insurance will simply pay what is owed. Unfortunately, that is rarely how it works. Insurance companies are businesses driven by profit, and their goal is to minimize what they pay on every claim. Having skilled car accident attorneys and lawyers working on your behalf levels the playing field and ensures you are not taken advantage of during one of the most vulnerable times in your life.
Stay at the Scene and Check for Injuries
Texas law requires all drivers involved in a crash to stop and remain at the scene. Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, requesting emergency medical services creates an official record that ties your injuries to the accident. Adrenaline can mask serious problems like internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal injuries, so do not assume you are fine just because you feel okay in the moment.
Move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe location if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot move your car, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives, especially on highways where passing traffic creates additional dangers.
Call Law Enforcement
Always call the police after a car accident in Texas, even if the crash seems minor. A police report creates an official record of the incident, including the officer’s observations about fault, road conditions, and witness statements. This report becomes a critical piece of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later.
When speaking with officers, be truthful but stick to the facts. Avoid speculating about who was at fault or apologizing, as those statements can be twisted and used against you later. Simply describe what happened from your perspective.
Document Everything at the Scene
If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Use your phone to take photographs of all vehicles involved, including damage from multiple angles. Capture images of skid marks, traffic signals, road signs, debris, and any weather or road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all other drivers, and collect contact information from any witnesses.
Write down the time, date, and exact location of the accident while it is still fresh in your memory. These details may seem small, but they can play an important role in building a strong case.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you walked away from the crash feeling relatively normal, see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours. Some of the most serious car accident injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage, do not always present symptoms right away. Delayed treatment not only puts your health at risk but also gives insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries are not related to the accident or are not as serious as you claim.
Follow all treatment recommendations from your medical providers and keep detailed records of every appointment, prescription, and expense. This documentation becomes the backbone of your claim.
Be Careful With Insurance Companies
One of the biggest mistakes car accident victims make is giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without legal representation. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to get you to minimize your injuries or accept partial blame for the accident. Anything you say can and will be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Do not accept any settlement offers without first speaking to a lawyer. Initial offers from insurance companies are almost always far below the true value of a claim. They are counting on the fact that injured people are desperate for money to pay medical bills and may accept a lowball number just to get some relief.
Keep a Recovery Journal
Start a daily journal documenting your pain levels, physical limitations, emotional state, and how the accident has affected your daily life. Write down activities you can no longer do, work you have missed, and any strain the injury has placed on your relationships. This personal record provides powerful evidence of the real impact the accident has had on your life and can significantly strengthen your claim.
Talk to a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Before Making Decisions
The most important step you can take after a car accident in Texas is consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer who handles these cases every day. A skilled legal team will investigate the accident, preserve critical evidence, handle all communications with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to receive.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. If you are more than 50 percent responsible, you lose the right to recover anything. This makes it even more essential to have experienced legal representation protecting your interests from the very beginning.
The car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw offer free consultations so you can understand your options without any financial risk. With offices serving clients across Texas, they have the resources and the track record to handle even the most complex car accident cases. Do not wait until the statute of limitations runs out or until evidence disappears. Reach out today and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
