Road accidents happen without warning, and for the people involved, the moments afterward can feel chaotic and confusing. Whether the collision involves vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians, the decisions made immediately after the incident can affect your health, your legal rights, and any future injury claim. For Houston residents, there are also specific Texas laws and insurance rules that apply to post-accident procedures and compensation. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do after a road accident in Houston and how our personal injury lawyer in Houston can help you navigate the process.
1. Put Safety First and Check for Injuries
The priority is always safety. If you can move, check for injuries to yourself and others. Move away from traffic and, for vehicle collisions, turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. If a vehicle is blocking traffic but operable, Texas law requires that it be moved to prevent secondary accidents. This rule often surprises people, but it exists to protect roadside safety in high-traffic areas like the Katy Freeway, I-10, and US-59.
If someone is seriously hurt, do not attempt to move them unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire. Call 911 for medical assistance without delay. Early medical treatment also preserves documentation that becomes critical in injury claims.
2. Notify Law Enforcement
Texas law requires that accidents involving injuries or major property damage be reported to law enforcement. Officers will investigate the crash, gather statements, and create a formal report that plays a key role in insurance and legal claims. Without police documentation, insurers often challenge responsibility and delay or deny payment. If you are facing injuries or pushback from an insurance company, legal representation is often essential. Speak with a qualified car accident attorney today to secure the compensation you deserve.
3. Exchange Information
If the crash involves a pedestrian or cyclist, collect contact information and the identity of any witnesses. Witness statements often become powerful evidence in disputed claims. After contacting law enforcement, exchange essential information with the other parties involved, including:
- Name and contact information
- Insurance carrier and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and plate number
4. Preserve Evidence at the Scene
Accident evidence fades quickly, especially in a large city with heavy traffic flow. If your condition allows, document the scene thoroughly with photos or video. Focus on:
- Vehicle position and damage
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic lights or signage
- Skid marks or debris
- Visible injuries
- Intersections or landmarks
5. Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. For this reason, victims should avoid apologizing, speculating about the cause, or assigning blame. Determining fault requires a legal and factual investigation, not on-scene opinions made under stress.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Many accident-related injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and back trauma, do not show symptoms right away. Delayed pain is common due to adrenaline and shock. Visit a hospital or medical provider promptly and follow through with treatment. Medical records create a timeline linking your injuries to the accident and prevent insurers from arguing that the injuries were unrelated.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Texas requires drivers to carry liability insurance, and notifying your insurer is part of the post-accident process. However, be cautious when discussing the incident with adjusters. Insurance companies are financially motivated to minimize payouts and may:
- Request recorded statements.
- Downplay injuries.
- Shift liability.
- Offer quick, low settlements.
- Delay processing to pressure claimants.
Before giving a recorded statement or accepting compensation, speak with a personal injury lawyer in Houston who understands Houston insurance practices and claim valuation.
8. Track Financial and Personal Losses
In Texas, victims may also pursue compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Accidents often lead to expenses and losses beyond immediate medical bills. Document everything, including:
- Emergency treatment and diagnostics.
- Physical therapy or specialist care.
- Prescription medications.
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs.
- Rental car expenses.
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability.
- Out-of-pocket costs.
9. Legal Considerations After an Accident
In Houston, injury claims must be filed within two years, fault is shared under the 51% rule, pedestrians and cyclists have protections, commercial vehicle crashes add extra regulations, and timely insurance notification and crash reporting are essential. A few Texas legal rules often matter in post-accident cases:
- Statute of Limitations: Under the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, injury lawsuits generally must be filed within 2 years of the accident. Missing this deadline usually bars recovery.
- Comparative Fault System: Texas applies a 51% bar rule; if you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.
- Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Cyclists: Houston has a growing cyclist and pedestrian population, and Texas law grants these users right-of-way protections in marked areas.
- Commercial and Truck Collisions: Houston’s industrial economy means frequent crashes involving company trucks, oilfield vehicles, and commercial fleets, which introduce corporate liability and federal safety regulations.
10. When to Seek Legal Representation
Not every accident requires an attorney, but consulting a personal injury lawyer in Houston can be crucial in certain situations. A lawyer can investigate the crash, handle communication with insurance companies, calculate damages, negotiate settlements, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Legal representation is especially important when the accident involves complex circumstances, serious injuries, or disputes over fault. Consider seeking legal counsel if:
- Injuries are serious or permanent
- Fault is disputed
- A commercial or uninsured driver is involved
- There is a hit-and-run
- Insurance is delaying or denying claims
- A pedestrian or cyclist was struck
- Long-term medical care is needed
Protect Your Rights After a Road Accident
Road accidents carry physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Knowing what to do after a crash in Houston helps protect your health and preserve your ability to seek fair compensation under Texas law. If you or a loved one has been injured, Abogada Kim Bruno can make the legal process easier and ensure you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies.