What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston

The short version

• Move to safety and call 911 in Texas, a police report matters.
• Photograph vehicles, plates, the scene, and any injuries.
• Exchange names, insurance, and contact info; get witness numbers.
• See a doctor the same day some injuries surface hours later.
• Notify your own insurer, but be careful with the other side's adjuster.

First, protect your safety and health

Houston traffic moves fast on I-10, the 610 Loop, and Beltway 8, and a disabled car after a wreck is a real hazard. If you safely can, move vehicles out of live lanes and turn on your hazards. Call 911 so police and EMS respond Texas generally requires reporting a crash that causes injury, death, or significant property damage, and the officer's crash report becomes important evidence later.

Even if you "feel fine," get checked the same day. Adrenaline masks pain, and soft-tissue injuries or concussions often show up the next morning. A same-day medical record also ties your injury to the crash, which matters if you later file a claim.

Document everything at the scene

Your phone is your best tool. Photograph every vehicle, the damage, license plates, the wider scene, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect the other driver's name, license, insurance, and plate number, plus names and phone numbers of witnesses bystanders leave quickly. If a rideshare, delivery van, 18-wheeler, or company vehicle was involved, write down the company name and any markings on the vehicle.

Handle insurance carefully

Texas is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the crash (through their insurance) generally pays. Report the accident to your own insurer promptly, as most policies require. But you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company, and doing so early before you know how serious your injuries are can undercut your claim. Stick to facts, don't guess or apologize, and don't accept a quick settlement before your medical picture is clear.

Know the Texas clock

As of 2026, Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That can feel like plenty of time, but evidence disappears and memories fade quickly especially after Houston's frequent rain washes away skid marks. If you were hurt, speaking with a local injury attorney early (most offer free consultations) helps you preserve evidence and sidestep common mistakes.