A Step-by-Step Checklist: What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston

Part 1: Immediately at the Scene of the Accident

Your first priority is safety. Stay as calm as you can and follow these steps.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911.
Before you do anything else, check to see if you, your passengers, or anyone in the other vehicle is hurt. Call 911 immediately. This gets medical help on the way and brings the police to the scene.

• Why this is important: Your health comes first. A police report is also a critical piece of evidence that officially documents the accident.

Step 2: Exchange Information.
If you are able, get the following information from the other driver:

• Full Name and Phone Number
• Driver’s License Number
• Insurance Company and Policy Number
• License Plate Number
• Why this is important: You will need this basic information to file an insurance claim.

Your car’s damage is a separate claim from your injuries. If the damage is severe, the insurer may declare it a total loss. Learn about your rights in our guide to total loss claims in Texas

Step 3: Take Photos of Everything.
Use your cell phone to take pictures of the scene from different angles. Be sure to photograph:

• The damage to both cars
• The other driver’s license plate
• Any visible injuries you have
• The entire accident scene, including street signs, traffic signals, and skid marks.
• Why this is important: A picture is powerful proof of how the accident happened and the damage it caused.

Step 4: Do Not Admit Fault.
Be polite, but do not apologize or say the accident was your fault, even if you are not sure what happened. Stick to the facts only.

• Why this is important: Simple statements like “I’m so sorry” can be used against you later by the insurance company to try to blame you for the crash.

Part 2: In the 24 Hours After the Accident

After you have left the scene, the next steps are about protecting your health and formally starting the claims process.

Step 5: Get a Medical Evaluation.
Go to an urgent care clinic or your primary doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay.

If you are reading this checklist on behalf of a loved one, you may also find our complete guide for caregivers helpful.

• Why this is important: The adrenaline from a crash can hide serious injuries like whiplash or a concussion. Seeing a doctor right away creates a vital medical record that links your injuries directly to the accident.

This is especially important for symptoms like headaches, which can be a sign of a serious, hidden injury. Learn more about the dangers of post-accident headaches here.

Step 6: Report the Accident to Your Own Insurance Company.
Call the number on your insurance card and let them know you were in an accident. Simply state the facts of what happened. You do not need to go into great detail.

• Why this is important: Your policy requires you to report any accident in a timely manner. This gets the process started on your end.

Part 3: In the First Week After the Accident

Now it’s time to focus on protecting your legal and financial rights.

Step 7: Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance.
The other driver’s insurance adjuster will likely call you and ask for a recorded statement. You should politely decline until you have spoken with a lawyer.

• Why this is important: The insurance adjuster is not on your side. They are trained to ask questions that can get you to say something that hurts your case.

Step 8: Keep a File of Everything.
Start a folder or a notebook and keep everything related to the accident. This includes medical bills, receipts for prescriptions, photos, and notes on how you are feeling each day.

• Why this is important: This file will help you and your lawyer prove all of your losses later on.

Step 9: Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer.
The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the better your rights are protected. A personal injury lawyer can take over communication with the insurance companies and make sure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

• Why this is important: A lawyer can give you peace of mind and handle the legal fight while you focus on getting better.