First 72 Hours After a Texas Car Accident: What to Do
The first three days after a crash are when evidence disappears, injuries start to show and insurance adjusters start calling. What you do in that window can shape your health, your finances and any injury claim that follows. Here is a simple guide to the first 72 hours after a car accident in Dallas–Fort Worth.
At the scene (the first hour)
Stop and check for injuries. Texas law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, and if anyone is hurt, to render reasonable aid, including calling for medical help.
Call 911. If anyone is injured or killed, or the crash causes significant property damage, it must be reported to police. A police report is also one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim.
Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, license plate and driver's license number.
Take photos and video of the vehicles, the road, skid marks, traffic signals, weather, and any visible injuries.
Get witness names and numbers. Independent witnesses can make a big difference later.
Don't apologize or guess about fault. Stick to the facts. Even a polite "I'm sorry" can be used against you.
The first 24 hours: your health comes first
See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline hides pain. Concussions, whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries often don't show up until a day or two later. Getting checked right away protects your health and creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies look closely at gaps between the accident and your first treatment.
Keep every record: ER and urgent-care paperwork, prescriptions, and any instructions to rest or stay off work.
Days 1–3: protect your claim
Get the crash report. Texas crash reports can usually be ordered online through TxDOT's Crash Report Online Purchase System once the officer files the report.
Notify your own insurance company that the accident happened, as your policy requires. Give the basic facts only.
Be careful with the other driver's insurance company. Their adjuster may call quickly, sound friendly and ask for a recorded statement. You are generally not required to give one to the other driver's insurer. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. It's best to talk with a lawyer first.
Don't sign anything from the other driver's insurer, especially a release or a quick settlement check. Once you sign a release, your claim is usually over for good, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought.
Stay off social media about the accident. Photos of you at the gym or a family event can be taken out of context.
Start a simple journal. Write down your pain levels, missed work, appointments and the ways the injury affects your daily life. These details are easy to forget and important to your claim.
Texas rules to know
Filing deadline: most personal injury lawsuits in Texas must be filed within two years of the accident.
Shared fault: Texas uses modified comparative fault. You can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum insurance: Texas drivers must carry at least $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 for property damage. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help.
When to call a lawyer
It's worth talking to a personal injury lawyer if you were hurt, missed work, are facing medical bills, or the other driver's insurer is pressuring you. Early help means evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and you have someone handling the insurance company while you focus on getting better.
How McCray Stewart & Associates can help
We represent people injured in car, truck and rideshare accidents throughout Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant Counties. We investigate the crash, document your injuries and losses, deal with the insurance companies, and are prepared to go to court when a fair settlement isn't offered.
You pay no attorney's fee or case expenses unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our firm advances the expenses of your case, and your written fee agreement explains how the fee and expenses are handled.
Hurt in a crash? Talk with us before you talk with the other driver's insurance company. Book a free consultation or call (469) 207-1534.
Learn more about our Dallas personal injury practice.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
