After a Texas accident, focus first on safety, medical needs, and reliable documentation. This checklist provides general educational information and does not replace advice from a doctor, insurer, or licensed attorney.
Protect people first
Call 911 when anyone may be seriously injured, traffic creates an immediate hazard, or emergency help is needed. Do not move an injured person unless staying in place creates greater danger.
Collect facts without arguing about fault
- Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, signals, skid marks, and visible injuries when safe.
- Exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance information.
- Get witness contact information and the responding agency or report number.
- Write down what you remember while details are fresh.
Locate the crash report
The Texas Department of Transportation maintains the state crash-record system. Its crash reports and records page explains who may request a report and how records are handled. A police report can preserve important facts, but insurers may still conduct their own investigation.
Review every potentially relevant policy
The Texas Department of Insurance explains liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Texas auto policies generally include PIP unless it was rejected in writing, and insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage. Your declarations page and endorsements show what you actually purchased.
Keep the claim organized
- Record claim numbers and adjuster contact information.
- Save estimates, invoices, medical records, receipts, and proof of missed work.
- Ask for important decisions and document requests in writing.
- Read any release carefully before signing it.
When a case evaluation may help
A live review may be useful for significant injuries, disputed fault, commercial or rideshare vehicles, inadequate insurance, a denial, or settlement pressure before recovery is understood.
Start a confidential case evaluation.
General information only. No attorney-client relationship is created and outcomes are not guaranteed.