Texas Car Crash? Personal Injury Lawyers Who Fight for You
Injured in a Texas car crash? Learn the first steps to protect your claim, how Texas fault and compensation rules work, what to expect from insurers, common property damage issues, key deadlines, and how our attorneys help from day one. Questions? Contact us for a free consultation.
After a Texas Car Crash: First Steps to Protect Your Claim
Your health and safety come first. Call 911, get medical care, and follow your doctor’s instructions. If you can do so safely, collect key information at the scene: other driver’s name, contact, insurer, and license plate; photos of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and road conditions; names and contact info for witnesses; and the crash report number from law enforcement. Report the crash to your insurer promptly and be cautious with any recorded statements to another driver’s insurer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Fault and Compensation Under Texas Law
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. Your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility and is barred if your responsibility is greater than 50%. See Texas’s proportionate responsibility statute (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 33) – specifically § 33.001 (51% bar) and § 33.012 (reduction by percentage).
Insurance adjusters often make early fault assessments that may not reflect the full facts. A lawyer can help gather and preserve evidence – such as the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) (available only to eligible requestors under Transp. Code § 550.065; request via the DPS Crash Report Online Purchase System), scene photos, electronic data, and witness statements – to challenge disputed fault and to support your recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property losses.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
Insurers may ask for recorded statements, broad medical authorizations, or quick settlement agreements. These can affect your rights and the value of your claim. You can direct the insurer to communicate through your attorney, limit authorizations to relevant records, and avoid signing releases until you understand the full scope of your injuries and future medical needs.
Medical Care and Documentation
Follow-up care is essential, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Keep copies of diagnoses, imaging, prescriptions, referrals, and out-of-pocket receipts. Track time missed from work and any job limitations. Consistent documentation connects the crash to your injuries and supports both economic and non-economic damages.
Property Damage and Total Loss Issues
For repairable vehicles, obtain written repair estimates and confirm whether OEM or aftermarket parts will be used. If your car is deemed a total loss, ask how the value was calculated and what comparable vehicles were used. In some Texas third-party claims, you may pursue diminished value where appropriate. Preserve the vehicle until your lawyer advises otherwise, especially if a defect or component failure could be relevant.
When to Involve a Lawyer
Consider legal help when injuries are significant, fault is disputed, the insurer is delaying or denying coverage, multiple vehicles are involved, or a commercial vehicle may be at fault. Early engagement helps secure evidence, manage insurer communications, and assess all potential sources of recovery, including liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, MedPay, and PIP coverages.
Deadlines and Legal Timelines in Texas
- Most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003.
- Claims against Texas governmental units have strict notice requirements – generally within six months, and some cities have shorter deadlines. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101.
- Contract-based timelines and policy conditions may apply to UM/UIM, PIP, and MedPay claims. The details can be fact-specific – consult a Texas attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Pro Tips to Strengthen Your Texas Claim
- Do not post crash details or injury updates on social media.
- See your primary doctor or a specialist within 24-48 hours, even if you feel okay.
- Ask providers to note causation: that your symptoms began after the crash.
- Keep a simple pain and limitations journal with dates and impacts on daily life.
- Store all invoices, EOBs, and mileage to medical appointments in one folder.
Texas Car Crash Checklist
- Call 911 and get medical care.
- Exchange info and photograph licenses, plates, VINs, and insurance cards.
- Capture scene photos: vehicle positions, damage, debris, skid marks, and signage.
- Identify witnesses and save their names, phone numbers, and emails.
- Request the CR-3 crash report through DPS when eligible.
- Notify your insurer; avoid recorded statements to the other insurer.
- Preserve damaged property and keep repair estimates and valuations.
- Consult a Texas personal injury lawyer before signing any release.
What We Do for Texas Crash Victims
We investigate quickly, preserve evidence, obtain the official crash report, coordinate with medical providers, engage accident reconstruction when appropriate, and handle all insurer communications. We build your damages case thoroughly to pursue full and fair compensation through negotiation or litigation.
Ready to talk? Contact us now for a free consultation.
Texas Car Accident FAQ
Do I have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer?
No. You can decline and direct all communications to your attorney.
What if I am partly at fault?
You can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How long do I have to file?
Generally two years from the crash date for personal injury, and two years from death for wrongful death, subject to exceptions. Do not wait; deadlines can be shorter for claims against governmental units.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Often no. Early offers may not reflect future treatment, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Review with a lawyer before signing any release.
Can I claim diminished value in Texas?
In some third-party claims, yes, depending on the facts and documentation of pre-loss condition and comparable values.
How do I get the official Texas crash report?
If eligible, request the CR-3 via the DPS Crash Report Online Purchase System.
Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a Texas car crash, contact our team for a free consultation. We can evaluate your case, explain your options, and start protecting your claim immediately.
Important Note
This blog post is for general informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes and deadlines vary by facts and jurisdiction. Consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific situation.