In the seconds after an impact, your brain is flooded with adrenaline. Most people do one of two things: freeze up or rush to act without thinking. Neither serves you well. A clear, practiced sequence of steps protects you physically, legally, and financially — and it starts before the dust even settles.
This guide covers exactly what to do after a car accident in Texas, in order, without the fluff. Whether you're in Alvin, Pearland, Houston, or anywhere else in the greater Houston area, these steps apply.
Step 1 — Move to Safety (If You Can)
Get out of traffic immediately
Turn on your hazard lights. If the accident is minor and your vehicle is drivable, Texas Transportation Code § 550.022 actually requires you to move your vehicle out of the main travel lanes if it can be driven safely. Pull to the shoulder, a parking lot, or a side street. Blocking traffic creates a second accident risk.
If your car is not drivable, leave it where it is, turn on your hazards, and exit carefully — watching for oncoming traffic. On a highway, stay behind the guard rail or as far from the roadway as possible.
Step 2 — Check for Injuries. Call 911.
Check yourself, then your passengers
Adrenaline is a powerful painkiller. Injuries that feel minor at the scene — whiplash, soft tissue damage, internal bruising — often don't reveal themselves until hours or days later. If there is any doubt, call 911. Emergency responders can assess injuries on the spot, and a medical report documents your condition immediately after the crash.
Don't move an injured person
Unless there's an immediate danger (fire, smoke), do not move anyone who may have a spinal or neck injury. Wait for paramedics.
Step 3 — Call the Police and Get a Report
A police report is not optional
Under Texas law (Transportation Code § 550.026), you must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. In Texas, virtually any collision between two vehicles crosses that $1,000 threshold. The responding officer files a Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). This document is critical for your insurance claim and any future legal proceedings.
If police respond, get the officer's name and badge number. Ask how to obtain a copy of the report — in most jurisdictions you can request it within 10 days at txdot.gov or your local police department's records office.
Pro Tip
If police cannot respond to a non-injury accident, you can file a self-report through the Texas Department of Transportation's online portal within 10 days.
Step 4 — Document Everything Before Anything Moves
Your phone camera is your most important tool right now
Before any vehicles are moved, any debris is cleared, or any witnesses walk away, document the scene thoroughly. Insurance adjusters and attorneys will rely on these photos to reconstruct what happened.
Here's what to photograph and document, in order of priority:
All four sides of every vehicle involved — even vehicles with no visible damage
Close-ups of all damage on every vehicle — don't skip minor dents or scratches
All license plates — every vehicle involved, even if you have the info written down
The overall scene — wide shots showing vehicle positions, road markings, traffic signals, and any skid marks
Road and weather conditions — wet pavement, sun glare, construction, potholes — anything that may have contributed
Visible injuries — photograph any bruising, cuts, or swelling on yourself or your passengers
Witnesses — if bystanders saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number before they leave
Also note the exact time of the accident and the cross streets or GPS location. If there's a traffic camera, intersection camera, or dashcam footage that may have captured the incident, document its presence — your attorney or insurance company can request it later.
Step 5 — Exchange Information (The Right Way)
Get it all — every driver, every vehicle
Exchange the following with every driver involved. Don't skip a vehicle just because it seems minor.
You Need From Them
- Full legal name
- Driver's license number & state
- Phone number
- Insurance company name
- Insurance policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year
- License plate number
Also Collect
- Names of all passengers
- Officer's name & badge number
- Responding agency (PD or Sheriff)
- Crash report number
- Witness names & phones
- Tow truck company (if used)
The Most Important Thing You Can Do: Say Nothing About Fault
Do Not Admit Fault — Not Even "I'm Sorry"
A reflexive "I'm so sorry" at the scene can be used against you as an admission of liability. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule — meaning fault is divided between parties, and even a partial admission can shift the percentage against you.
Stick to factual statements: "Are you okay?" and "Let's exchange information." Do not speculate about what happened or why. Save your full account for your insurance company and your attorney.
After the Scene: What Comes Next
Once you've left the scene safely, there are a few more immediate steps to take within the next 24–48 hours:
See a doctor, even if you feel fine
Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries often don't appear immediately. A same-day medical evaluation creates a critical timestamp for your medical records and insurance claim.
Report to your insurance company
Call your insurer as soon as possible — most policies require "prompt" reporting. Give them the facts without speculation. They will open a claim file and assign an adjuster.
Get your vehicle to a trusted collision shop
You have the legal right in Texas to choose your own repair shop — the insurance company cannot force you to use their "preferred" facility. Choose a shop that does thorough inspections, works with all insurance carriers, and provides a written warranty.
Serving Greater Houston
Need Repairs After an Accident?
Alamo Collision works directly with all major insurance carriers. We handle the paperwork, fight for proper OEM parts, and back every repair with a lifetime warranty. Serving Alvin, Pearland, Friendswood, Manvel, and greater Houston.
703 E. Hwy 6, Alvin, TX 77511 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm