Emergency Resource

WHAT TO DO AFTER
A CAR ACCIDENT

A step-by-step checklist for Texas drivers. Bookmark this page now — you will want it when you need it most.

(817) 885-0096
IN AN EMERGENCY: Call 911 first. Your safety is the only priority. Everything else can wait.
AT THE SCENE
!
Check yourself and all passengers for injuriesCRITICAL
!
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injuredCRITICAL
Move vehicles out of traffic if it is safe to do so
Turn on hazard lights
Do NOT admit fault or apologize — even casually
Call police and wait for an officer to arrive
GATHER INFORMATION
Get the other driver's full name, phone number, and address
Get their driver's license number and state
Get their license plate number and vehicle VIN
Get their insurance company name and policy number
Get the names and contact info of all witnesses
Get the responding officer's name and badge number
Get the police report number
DOCUMENT THE SCENE
Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles
Photograph all visible damage close-up
Photograph the overall accident scene and road conditions
Photograph any skid marks, debris, or road hazards
Photograph all license plates
Take a video walkthrough of the entire scene
Screenshot your GPS location and note the time
AFTER THE ACCIDENT
!
Notify your insurance company — even if you were not at faultCRITICAL
Do NOT give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance without consulting an attorney
See a doctor even if you feel fine — document any injuries
Keep all medical records and receipts
Do NOT post about the accident on social media
!
Get your vehicle inspected by a certified collision shopCRITICAL
Ask about rental car coverage — most policies include it

WHAT NOT TO DO

Do NOT leave the scene of the accident
Do NOT admit fault or say 'I'm sorry'
Do NOT agree to handle it without involving insurance
Do NOT give a recorded statement without legal counsel
Do NOT sign any documents from the other party's insurance
Do NOT accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your damages
Do NOT post about the accident on social media
Do NOT delay getting your vehicle inspected — hidden damage worsens over time

TEXAS-SPECIFIC LAWS TO KNOW

Texas is an At-Fault State

Texas follows a 'fault' system for car accidents. The driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance, your own insurance, or file a lawsuit.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Texas uses a 51% rule: if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are 30% at fault, your damages are reduced by 30%. This is why you should never admit fault at the scene.

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and 2 years to file a property damage claim. Do not wait.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Many drivers carry only the minimum — which may not cover all your damages.

BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT? WE CAN HELP.

Bring your vehicle to Firebird Collision. We handle the insurance claim, coordinate your rental car, and restore your vehicle to factory condition.

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