Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury in the United States, and Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of traffic collisions. Whether it was a rear-end collision on the highway, a T-bone at an intersection, or a multi-vehicle pileup, the aftermath of a car accident can leave you dealing with injuries, property damage, lost wages, and mounting stress. Understanding your rights and knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
What to Do at the Scene
The moments immediately following an accident are critical — both for your health and for any future legal claim. Here is what you should do:
- Check for injuries and call 911. Your safety and the safety of others comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, emergency medical personnel can identify problems you may not feel yet.
- Do not leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in Texas and can result in criminal charges, regardless of who was at fault.
- Exchange information. Get the name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number of all drivers involved. Collect contact details from any witnesses.
- Document everything. Take photos and video of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial to your claim.
- Do not admit fault.Avoid saying "I'm sorry" or anything that could be interpreted as an admission of liability. Stick to the facts when speaking with police.
- File a police report. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which is important evidence for your claim.
Understanding Texas Auto Accident Law
Texas is an "at-fault" state, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. Texas also follows a modified comparative negligence rule — you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. While two years may sound like plenty of time, evidence can disappear quickly — surveillance footage is overwritten, witnesses forget details, and vehicle damage is repaired. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Car accident injuries range from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs in the back and neck
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Cuts, lacerations, and scarring
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Many of these injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days after the accident. This is why it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible — not only for your health, but to create a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
After an accident, you will likely hear from the at-fault driver's insurance company quickly — sometimes within hours. They may sound sympathetic and helpful, but their goal is to minimize your payout. They may ask for a recorded statement, push you to accept a quick settlement, or try to get you to admit partial fault.
Our advice: do not give a recorded statement, do not sign anything, and do not accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot go back and ask for more — even if your injuries turn out to be far worse than you initially thought.
How The Garza Law Firm Can Help
With over 50 years of experience handling auto accident cases across Texas, The Garza Law Firm has the knowledge and the track record to fight for the full compensation you deserve. We handle all communication with insurance companies, investigate the accident thoroughly, work with medical experts to document your injuries, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
If the insurance company won't offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. And you never pay a fee unless we win.
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