Houston Car Accident Guide: What To Do After a Crash in Harris County
A step-by-step Texas-specific checklist from Calderon Legal Group — what to do at the scene, what Texas law requires, and how to protect your right to a full recovery. No fee unless we win.
The 8-Step Houston Car Accident Checklist
What you do in the first 24–72 hours after a Harris County crash has the biggest impact on your claim. Use this checklist in order.
1. Get to safety and check for injuries
If you can move, pull to the shoulder or nearest safe area and turn on hazards. Call 911 for any injury, airbag deployment, or disabled vehicle. In Houston, HPD or DPS will respond on freeways like I-10, I-45, US-59, and the Sam Houston Tollway.
2. Call the police — always request a report
Texas Transportation Code § 550.026 requires a report for any crash with injury, death, or apparent damage that disables a vehicle. A CR-3 crash report is critical evidence. If officers don't come to the scene, file a CR-2 Driver's Crash Report with TxDOT within 10 days.
3. Document the scene before vehicles are moved
Photograph all vehicles (wide and close-up), license plates, VINs, the intersection, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Get names and phone numbers of every witness — Houston intersections often have multiple angles of independent witnesses.
4. Exchange information — do not admit fault
Trade names, addresses, driver's license numbers, license plates, insurer name, and policy numbers. Texas is an at-fault state, so anything you say can be used against your claim. Stick to facts.
5. Get medical attention the same day
Adrenaline masks soft-tissue and head injuries. Go to a Houston ER (Memorial Hermann, HCA Houston, Houston Methodist) or urgent care. A documented same-day visit ties your injuries to the crash and protects the value of your claim.
6. Notify your insurer — but keep statements short
Texas policies require prompt notice. Report the basic facts. Do NOT give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer, and do not accept a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
7. Preserve evidence and track losses
Save every medical bill, prescription, mileage to appointments, repair estimate, rental receipt, and pay stub for missed work. Keep a short daily pain journal — Texas allows recovery for pain, mental anguish, and impairment.
8. Talk to a Houston car accident attorney before signing anything
Adjusters routinely contact victims within 24–48 hours with low offers and recorded-statement requests. Once you're represented, the firm handles all communications and they cannot contact you directly.
Texas Car Accident Laws Every Houston Driver Should Know
Statute of limitations: 2 years
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 generally gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file suit. Claims against governmental entities (METRO, City of Houston, Harris County) require notice in as little as 90 days.
Modified comparative fault (51% bar)
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §§ 33.001 et seq., you can recover if you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your share. At 51% or more, you recover nothing.
Minimum insurance (30/60/25)
Texas requires $30,000 per person / $60,000 per crash / $25,000 property damage. Many serious Houston crashes exceed those limits — uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy is often the real source of recovery.
Damages you can claim
Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement. Punitive damages may apply for gross negligence (e.g., drunk drivers).
Why Injured Houston Drivers Call Calderon Legal Group
- Texas-licensed attorneys who handle Houston and Brazos Valley crash claims every day.
- Free, no-obligation case review — call, text, or use our 60- second AI case evaluator.
- Contingency fee — you owe nothing in attorney's fees unless we recover for you.
- We deal with the adjusters, the body shop, and the medical providers so you can focus on healing.
Houston Car Accident FAQ
+Do I have to call the police after a Houston car accident?
Yes if anyone is injured or killed, or if a vehicle is disabled. Texas Transportation Code § 550.026 requires it. Even for minor crashes, a police report is the single most useful piece of evidence for an insurance claim.
+How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
Generally 2 years from the date of the crash for personal injury claims under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. Claims against a governmental entity (City of Houston, METRO, Harris County) can require written notice within 90 days or 6 months.
+What if the other driver was uninsured?
Roughly 1 in 7 Texas drivers is uninsured. If you carry UM/UIM coverage on your own auto policy, that coverage steps in to pay for your injuries and property damage up to your policy limits.
+Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
No. You have no obligation to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement, and statements are routinely used to reduce or deny claims. Refer them to your attorney.
+How much is my Houston car accident claim worth?
Case value depends on medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, fault percentage, available insurance (including UM/UIM and umbrella policies), and the long-term impact of your injuries. Every case is different — call 832-261-5500 for a free Texas-specific case review.
+Do I have to go to court?
Most Texas car accident claims resolve through pre-suit negotiation or mediation. A lawsuit is filed when the insurer refuses to pay fair value, but the majority of filed cases still settle before trial.
+What does it cost to hire Calderon Legal Group?
We handle car accident claims on contingency — no attorney's fee unless we recover for you. Case costs are typically advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney's fee.
Attorney Advertising. This page is provided for general informational and marketing purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page, contacting the firm, or submitting information through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Calderon Legal Group, PLLC — Principal Office: Houston, Harris County, Texas. Responsible attorney: Will Calderon.