What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston, TX

Find a safe place at the crash site and call 911. This will connect you with the nearest police department, most likely the Houston Police, Texas Highway Patrol, or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Make sure to get the officer’s name, badge number, and agency. This will help you get your crash report when it is complete.

A lot of car accident evidence is only available for a short while. For example, vehicles are moved out of the street, witnesses walk away, and physical evidence like skid marks are cleaned up. That’s why it is so important to start collecting evidence at the crash site.

Take photos and video of the car accident scene. Get vehicle position, property damage, injuries, and visible evidence like skid marks or alcohol bottles. Record details from multiple angles and distances.  Gather witness statements, names, and contact information.

Cooperate with police, but do not provide any information beyond basic facts. Don’t say anything about fault and don’t apologize. A simple “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” is enough for some insurance adjusters to reject your claim. Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Do not me a statement about the crash or your injuries.

Even if you were checked out at the crash scene by an EMT and you feel fine, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Houston has many 24-hour trauma care centers including Ben Taub Hospital and Houston Methodist. You could also see an orthopedic doctor, go to an urgent care clinic, or see your primary care provider (PCP).

In general, doctors have more time, training, and resources to conduct a thorough examination. They may detect serious internal injuries, brain damage, decreased range of motion, delayed pain, and bone fractures of which you are not yet aware. This visit creates an official medical record of your accident injuries. The document will be important to your claim.

After the visit, follow your doctor’s instructions. Schedule and attend appointments with specialists and therapists. This demonstrates that you will take advantage of every opportunity to improve your health. Keep all medical records, receipts, and documents generated by your accident. If you do not get medical attention after an accident, an insurance adjuster will almost certainly minimize your injuries.

Typically, you are required to inform your insurance company soon after an accident. When speaking with the insurance company, stick to the facts – time, date, place, etc. Do not say anything about fault or the extent of your injuries. Saying that you are being “medically treated” is just fine.

Never provide the insurance company with a written or recorded statement or sign a release of personal medical, work, or other records without first talking with an attorney. If you contact them right away, a Houston car accident attorney can handle this conversation for you.

As soon as you can, contact an experienced Texas car accident lawyer so they can start protecting your right to compensation.

A knowledgeable Texas car accident attorney will handle the insurance company and claim process for you so you can focus on healing.

Remember: You only get one shot at getting the right settlement and in Texas, there is a deadline. Leaving money on the table means your accident compensation will likely run out before you are healed.

If you have been in a car accident in Houston, do not go through the process on your own. Talk to an experienced attorney who will fight for your legal rights every step of the way.