A car crash can turn an ordinary drive into a confusing and stressful situation within seconds. Beyond injuries and vehicle damage, drivers often have legal duties they may not even know about. Understanding the laws for car accidents in Texas can help you protect your safety, avoid penalties, and preserve your right to compensation. If you were hurt, a Houston car accident attorney can explain how these rules apply to your situation.
Texas has specific laws covering what drivers must do at the scene, when a crash must be reported, how much insurance drivers must carry, and how fault affects compensation. Below is an overview of the most important rules for Houston drivers.
What Must You Do At The Scene Of A Crash?
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550 sets out a driver’s duties after a collision. These generally include:
- Stop immediately: at or as close to the scene as possible without blocking traffic more than necessary.
- Move vehicles out of traffic: if the crash involves only property damage and the vehicles can be driven.
- Exchange information: including names, addresses, vehicle registration, and insurance details.
- Render reasonable aid: to anyone injured, including calling 911 or arranging transport for medical care.
Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a serious crime in Texas and can lead to felony charges.
When Must A Car Accident Be Reported In Texas?
Drivers must immediately notify police if a crash results in injury, death, or damage that makes a vehicle unable to be driven safely. When police do not investigate, Texas law may require drivers to submit a crash report to the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days if the crash caused injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. Police reports, known as CR-3 reports, often become important evidence in an insurance claim.
What Are Texas Minimum Insurance Requirements?
Texas requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits, commonly written as 30/60/25:
- $30,000: for bodily injury per person.
- $60,000: for bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000: for property damage per accident.
Insurers must also offer personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which drivers can reject only in writing.
Is Texas An At-Fault State?
Yes. Texas follows an at-fault system, which means the driver responsible for the crash, and their insurer, generally pays for the damages they caused. Injured people can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, use their own coverage, or file a lawsuit.
How Does Comparative Fault Work in Texas?
Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the crash, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover from the other parties.
Fault disputes are especially common at signals and busy crossings. Crashes involving drivers who rushed a light may require a Houston red and yellow light accident attorney to gather camera footage, signal timing data, and witness statements.
What Traffic Laws Often Come Up In Crash Claims?
1. Texting While Driving
Texas bans reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving unless the vehicle is stopped.
2. Right-Of-Way Rules
Failing to yield at intersections, stop signs, and left turns is a leading cause of serious crashes. An intersection accident lawyer can review who had the right of way and how the collision happened.
3. Following Too Closely
Drivers must keep a safe distance, which is why rear drivers are often found at fault in rear-end crashes.
4. Move Over or Slow Down
Drivers must move over a lane or slow down for stopped emergency, police, tow, and certain other work vehicles with flashing lights.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
Under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, most personal injury and property damage lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. Some exceptions apply, but missing the deadline can end your right to recover.
Get Help Understanding Texas Car Accident Laws
Texas crash laws affect every step of your claim, from what happens at the scene to how much you can recover. Abogada Kim Bruno helps injured drivers and families in Houston understand their rights and build strong claims. If you need an auto accident lawyer Houston families can rely on, contact the firm today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have To Call Police After A Minor Crash In Texas?
If there are injuries, deaths, or a vehicle cannot be safely driven, you must notify police. For minor crashes, a report is still recommended.
Can I Still Recover If I Was Partly At Fault?
Yes, as long as you were 50 percent or less at fault, though your compensation will be reduced.
What Happens If The Other Driver Has No Insurance?
You may be able to use your own uninsured motorist coverage.