The screech of tires, the jarring impact—a car accident is a chaotic and stressful experience. In the moments that follow, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, your financial well-being, and your legal rights.
Table of Contents
This guide outlines exactly what to do after a car accident in Houston. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we’ve been helping injured Texans navigate these difficult situations since 1993. Follow this lawyer-approved checklist to ensure you’re prepared.
Immediate Steps at the Scene of the Accident
Your actions in the first few minutes after a crash are critical. Focus on safety and documentation.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety
Before anything else, check on yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you are able, check on the occupants of the other vehicle(s) as well. If anyone is hurt, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., from fire). If the vehicles are still in a lane of traffic and can be moved, pull over to the shoulder to prevent another collision. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Step 2: Call 911
Even if the accident seems minor, call 911. There are two key reasons for this:
- Medical Response: Paramedics can assess injuries that may not be immediately obvious due to adrenaline.
- Police Report: A responding officer from the Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff’s Office will create an official report. This document is a vital piece of evidence for any future insurance claim or legal action.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Calmly exchange essential information with the other driver(s). Do not discuss fault or apologize. Stick to the facts. Get the following details:
- Full Name and Contact Information
- Driver’s License Number
- Insurance Company and Policy Number
- License Plate Number
- Make, Model, and Color of Their Vehicle
Use your phone to take a picture of their driver’s license and insurance card.
Step 4: Document Everything
Your smartphone is your most powerful tool at the scene. Take photos and videos of everything you can, including:
- Damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles.
- The entire accident scene, including traffic signs, skid marks, and weather conditions.
- Any visible injuries you or your passengers have sustained.
- The other driver’s license plate.
If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their account could be crucial later.
Actions to Take in the Hours and Days Following the Crash
Once you have left the scene, there are still important steps after a car accident that you must take to protect your claim.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you felt fine at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, can take hours or even days to present symptoms. A medical record creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which is essential for your case.
Step 6: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance provider about the accident promptly. Provide them with the basic facts of what happened, but do not give a recorded statement or speculate about who was at fault until you have spoken with an attorney. Stick to what you know for sure.
Step 7: Obtain the Houston Car Accident Report
The official police report is a cornerstone of your case. You can typically obtain your Houston car accident report online through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Report Online Purchase System a few days after the incident. This report contains the officer’s initial findings, diagrams, and other key details.
Protecting Your Legal Rights: The Final, Crucial Step
Step 8: Speak with an Experienced Attorney Before Accepting Any Settlement
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly with a settlement offer. It might seem tempting, but their goal is to resolve the claim for the lowest amount possible—often before the full extent of your injuries and expenses is known.
This is where having a trusted advocate makes all the difference. An experienced attorney works for you, not the insurance company. By consulting with an experienced Houston auto accident lawyer, you can understand the true value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we have a nationwide reputation for results because we fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. We know the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to counter them. Accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, which is why we offer a 24/7 phone service. Call us anytime for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.