Most of us don’t plan to be in a car accident. The word itself implies we didn’t know it was coming, but it’s still vital to know what to do when you’re injured in a car accident and how to take action for your health and potential claim. The Houston car accident lawyers at Steven M. Lee, PC are here to discuss what to do and what you should know.
Houston Car Accidents Are Not as Common as You Might Think
You shouldn’t worry so much about getting injured in a car accident, since they aren’t as common as other mishaps. However, it’s smart to be very aware of the possibility and always keep your attention on the roadway and surrounding areas. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), you are more likely to die from an unintentional drug overdose (or any unintentional injury) than in a car accident.
Houston reports more motor vehicle injury accidents than any other city in Texas, more than twice the incidence in Dallas. Yet, the nearly 68,000 crashes reported in 2023 only represent about 3% of Houston’s population.
What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident
When you’ve just been in a car accident, you are likely in pain and confused about what happened and who is to blame. It’s not the best time to have to try and figure out what to do next. Knowing beforehand how to proceed benefits everyone and helps ensure your legal rights will be protected.
1. Assess Injuries and Move to Safety
If you’re in a collision that is likely to cause injury, you are required under Texas law to remain at the accident scene, exchange information with the other drivers, and render aid to anyone who is injured. Rendering aid will usually mean calling 911 since you must report any accidents with injuries to police “immediately by the quickest means of communication.”
Move your vehicle to the roadside if it’s blocking traffic and you can do so without risking further injury. If any vehicles aren’t drivable, occupants should get themselves off the road. All drivers involved in the accident should turn on their vehicle hazard flashers and use flares or other warning devices to alert oncoming motorists to the wreck.
2. Talk With the Police
After the police arrive and take care of any urgent matters, the officers will get statements from the persons involved and any witnesses, which will become part of the police report. Police reports are a source of valuable evidence regarding the facts and circumstances of an accident. Insurance companies rely heavily on them during their negotiations and claims processing.
When talking with police after an accident, it is important to stick to facts and known circumstances and not offer opinions or make any speculations regarding who is at fault. You may think you aren’t injured, but you should describe what happened to your body during the crash so that the officer can include notes about possible injury. This note can make it easier to recover compensation for an injury that develops later.
3. Gather Information
Though valuable, a police report may not tell the whole story. It’s a good idea to supplement the police investigation by taking pictures of the scene (before vehicles move if possible), collecting the names of the investigating officers, and the contact information for anyone else involved.
You can begin preparing a statement that describes how the accident happened with as much detail as you can recall. The statement should be consistent with what you tell the police. You should also ask witnesses for their contact details so your attorney can interview them for their statements later.
4. Get a Medical Evaluation
Injuries from car accidents are not always immediately apparent. Regardless of whether you think you’re hurt, get evaluated by the paramedics on the scene, then get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Seeing your physician after an accident can help identify latent injuries and is an important link between the accident and any resulting injuries.
Insurance companies like to argue that claimed injuries were not caused by the accident and will use the length of time between the accident and seeking medical attention as proof if they can. Having a strong medical record can establish a link between the crash and how you were hurt, potentially putting the fault on any drivers who caused the accident.
How to Prepare for a Conversation With an Insurance Adjuster
After a car accident, you will talk with an insurance adjuster from your company and one from the other driver’s company. You need to be prepared before talking to either representative. Insurance companies don’t like paying claims, and you help yourself tremendously when you take time to get ready for the conversations.
- Collect your documentation: Get copies of all relevant documents and know their contents. This might include your insurance policy, the police report, your medical records, and your written statement.
- Keep your answers as brief as possible: Don’t offer information if not asked. Be polite but firm. Stick to the information in your documents and be consistent.
- Don’t be intimidated: Say no to a request to record your statement. Don’t admit anything, from fault to the extent of your injuries. Don’t be talked into a quick settlement.
Insurance companies want to close claims quickly. You are under no obligation to rush through the process. If you are not comfortable dealing with insurance company representatives, you can let them know that any further communications regarding your claim should be referred to your attorney.
Damages You Can Recover When Injured in a Car Accident in Texas
If you’re hurt in a car accident, you may be able to collect financial compensation for monetary losses and subjective ways the crash impacted your life. There are no set limits on the amounts of compensatory damages that an injured party may collect, although there are some exceptions when the wrongdoer is a medical professional or the government.
The Texas Legislature is considering a bill that, if passed, would limit the maximum compensatory damage amounts recoverable in personal injury claims. House Bill (HB) 4806 was introduced in March 2025 and makes several pro-insurance company changes to current law.
Proponents claim it is an attempt to limit excessive damages awards. Opponents say it will prevent people who are wrongfully injured from being fairly compensated for their losses. If successful, the new law would become effective no later than September 1, 2025.
Contact Steve Lee When You’re Injured in a Car Accident in Houston
Settling car accident claims is what insurance companies do, and they are good at looking out for their interests. If the claims process is new to you, as it is to most people, you won’t know what you need to do to protect your interests and make sure the insurance company is paying what you are entitled to receive.
The accident and injury attorneys at Steven M. Lee, PC have been helping injured clients recover compensation from insurance companies for more than 50 years. They don’t get paid until they win for their clients. Find out more by scheduling a free consultation.