What Should I Do After a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault in Texas?
If you were in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you’re probably dealing with a lot at once: your car, possible injuries, insurance calls, medical appointments, missed work, and the big question of what am I supposed to do now?
You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately. But what you do after an accident can make a difference.
Here are some of the most important things to know after a car accident in Texas.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 when necessary.
If you’re able to, document the accident before leaving the scene. Take pictures or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, surrounding area, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If anyone witnessed the accident, try to get their name and contact information too.
Even small details can become important later.
Should I see a doctor if I feel okay after a car accident?
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, dizziness, stiffness, headaches, or other symptoms after an accident, consider getting medical attention.
Not every injury feels serious immediately after a crash.
Keep copies of your medical records, bills, prescriptions, and information about any follow-up appointments. This helps you keep track of your recovery and documents how the accident affected you.
Should I talk to the insurance company after an accident?
You may receive calls from insurance companies shortly after the accident.
Stick to facts you know are accurate and avoid guessing.
You don’t need to speculate about how fast you were going, whether you could have prevented the accident, or how quickly you expect to recover.
And if you don’t understand what an insurance company is asking you to provide, it’s okay to get help before answering.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
It's generally a good idea to keep the details of an accident and your recovery off social media while your claim is being handled.
Pictures, videos, comments, check-ins, and even seemingly harmless posts can be taken out of context.
You don't need to share your recovery publicly.
What documents should I keep after a car accident?
Try to keep everything related to your accident in one place, including:
Medical bills and records
Prescription receipts
Vehicle repair estimates
Tow bills
Rental car receipts
Accident photos and videos
Police report information
Insurance emails and letters
Records showing missed work or lost income
Keeping good records can make the process much easier later.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Don't automatically assume you're out of options.
Depending on your insurance policy and the circumstances of the accident, you may have coverage that can help, including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, or Personal Injury Protection.
Review your policy and understand what coverage is available before assuming you'll have to pay for everything yourself.
How long do I have to file a car accident injury claim in Texas?
In many Texas personal injury cases, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is two years, although exceptions can apply depending on the circumstances.
That doesn't mean you should wait two years to start figuring things out.
Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to locate, and important details can be forgotten.
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident that wasn't my fault?
Not every accident requires an attorney.
But if you're injured, facing significant medical expenses, missing work, dealing with disputed fault, or having problems with an insurance company, it may be worth understanding your legal options.
And you don't have to choose the first lawyer you find online or see advertised.
Can I get free help after a car accident in Texas?
Yes.
Accident Advocate Network provides free support to accident victims who aren't sure what they're supposed to do next.
We're not a law firm, and our advocacy service doesn't cost you anything.
Tell us what happened. Ask your questions. We'll help you better understand the process and what your next steps may look like.
If it appears that speaking with an attorney may be appropriate, we can provide information about attorneys we trust. You decide who you want to work with.
Before choosing a lawyer or trying to navigate everything alone, talk to a free accident advocate.
Accident Advocate Network is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information provided is for general educational purposes only.
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