The moments after a car accident are chaotic and stressful. But the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can make a significant difference in your health, your evidence, and what your claim is ultimately worth. Here's what to do — in order — if you've been in a car accident in Texas. For city-specific guidance across the state, see our Texas accident guides.
Prepared by Texas Settlement Calculator Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-15 · Editorial standards
At the scene: safety first
If it is safe to do so, move out of active traffic, use hazard lights, and address immediate safety or medical needs. Texas crash-reporting duties depend on the circumstances and current Transportation Code requirements; do not rely on a generic property-damage dollar threshold without checking the applicable rule.
Call the police and get a report
A police or crash report may document involved parties, reported circumstances, witnesses and officer observations. Reporting duties depend on the circumstances and current Texas law, and a report does not by itself establish civil responsibility.
Document everything you can
Use your phone. Take photos of all vehicles from multiple angles, the road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers — they may not stay at the scene, and their statements can be critical if fault is disputed.
Medical evaluation after a collision
Seek medical care appropriate to your symptoms and healthcare-provider guidance. Some symptoms may develop or become apparent after a collision, but no universal 48-hour treatment rule determines diagnosis, causation or claim validity. Medical decisions should be based on health needs rather than a claim-building timetable.
Evaluating an early settlement offer
An insurer may contact you and may make an early settlement offer. The timing or amount of an offer does not by itself establish the insurer's motive or whether the offer is appropriate. Before signing a release or settlement, consider the known injuries, treatment, damages, responsibility issues, coverage and the terms of the proposed agreement.
Get a broad preliminary claim-value range
The free Texas case evaluator provides a broad educational preliminary range based on reported factors. It is not an authoritative settlement benchmark and should not be treated as an instruction to accept, reject or counter an insurer's offer.
Estimate your preliminary claim-value range
Get a free, Texas-focused educational range based on the information you report — no sign-up or obligation.
Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Texas?
Texas crash-reporting duties depend on the circumstances and current law. A police or crash report may document parties, reported circumstances, witnesses and officer observations, but it does not by itself establish civil responsibility.
How long do I have to see a doctor after an accident?
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
If an insurer requests a recorded statement, authorization, release or settlement, consider the request, available information and your rights before responding or signing.
This tool produces a preliminary, non-binding estimate based on the information you provide and general personal-injury valuation methods. It is not legal advice, not a guarantee of any outcome, and not a substitute for review by a licensed attorney. Actual settlements and verdicts vary widely based on evidence, jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and many other factors. Texas Settlement Calculator is not a law firm and does not practice law; use of this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship.