Hurt in a car accident in Houston? Here’s what to do: (1) stop and get to safety, (2) call 911 and report any injuries, (3) let police document the scene and file the crash report, (4) photograph the vehicles, the damage, and the scene, (5) trade information without admitting fault, (6) see a doctor the same day, and (7) don’t give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement until you know what you’re dealing with.
1. Stop, get to safety, and check for injuries
Texas law says you have to stop at the scene. Don’t drive off. If your car still runs and it’s blocking traffic on a busy corridor like the 610 Loop or I-45, pull it onto the shoulder when it’s safe to do so and turn on your hazards. Then check yourself and your passengers before anything else. The car can be replaced. You can’t.
2. Call 911 — and understand when Texas requires a report
Call 911. Anytime someone’s hurt, someone’s killed, or a vehicle is too damaged to drive safely, Texas requires that law enforcement be notified. Even if the wreck feels minor, get the police out there. That report becomes the official record, and it protects you if the other side changes their story later.
3. Let the police document the scene
When the officer shows up, stick to the facts. Stay calm and tell them what happened — but do not admit fault and don’t guess about what happened. The officer fills out a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (Form CR-3), and that document becomes a central piece of evidence. Ask how and where to get a copy; you can request it later from the Texas Department of Transportation.
4. Document everything yourself
Your phone is the best tool you’ve got at the scene. Photograph and video everything:
- All vehicles involved, from multiple angles, showing damage and final positions
- License plates, the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license
- The roadway, skid marks, traffic signals or signs, and debris
- Visible injuries and the overall scene
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
5. Exchange information — carefully
Trade names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details. Keep it short and stick to the facts. Don’t apologize, and don’t say things like “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see you.” Anything you say in the moment can get twisted into an admission down the road.
6. See a doctor the same day — even if you feel okay
Adrenaline hides pain. Whiplash, concussions, and internal or spinal injuries often don’t show up for hours or days. See a doctor the same day. It protects your health, and it creates the medical record that ties your injuries to the crash. A gap in treatment is one of the first things an insurer uses to cut or deny your claim.
7. Be careful with the insurance companies
Report the crash to your own insurer, like your policy requires. But be careful with the other driver’s insurance company: in Texas you are generally not required to give the at-fault driver’s insurer a recorded statement, and giving one early — before you even know how badly you’re hurt — can wreck your claim. Don’t grab the first settlement offer either. You can’t know what your case is worth until you know how hurt you are.
What NOT to do after a Houston car accident
- Don’t leave the scene of an injury accident — that can be a crime.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize.
- Don’t say you’re uninjured or sign anything from the other insurer without understanding it.
- Don’t post about the accident on social media.
- Don’t wait to seek medical care.
Why the first days matter for your claim
Texas is an at-fault state. That means the driver who caused the crash — and their insurer — pays for the damage. Texas also follows modified comparative negligence: whatever percentage of the crash was your fault gets subtracted from your recovery, and if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. The insurance company knows this, so from day one they’re working to pin the blame on you. Strong documentation, same-day medical care, and caution around recorded statements are how you protect your position.
How long do you have to act?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a car accident injury lawsuit — that’s the statute of limitations. Wait too long and evidence disappears and witnesses forget, so figure out where you stand early. Learn more about the Texas statute of limitations →
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Houston?
If anyone’s hurt or there’s significant vehicle damage, yes — call 911. Even on a minor crash, a police report gives you an objective record if a dispute or a hidden injury turns up later.
Should I go to the ER or urgent care after a crash?
Bad symptoms — head injury, chest pain, numbness, heavy bleeding — go straight to the ER or call 911. For less severe pain, get to urgent care or your own doctor the same day. Either way, don’t skip the medical evaluation.
The other driver asked to settle without insurance. Should I?
Be very careful. Injuries and vehicle damage are almost always worse than they look at first. Once you take the cash and sign a release, you generally can’t reopen the claim.
Related guides:
How much is my case worth? ·
Dealing with insurance adjusters ·
How to get your Texas crash report ·
What if I was partly at fault?