Rebecca Magallon | Nov 11 2025 19:00

What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas: A Legal Guide from Portner Bond PLLC

Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye—but their effects can linger for months or even years. From physical injuries to mounting medical bills, a single collision can turn your life upside down. At Portner Bond PLLC, we understand how stressful the aftermath of an auto accident can be. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the chaos with clarity, confidence, and legal protection.

Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious crash, knowing what steps to take immediately after a car accident in Texas can protect your health, your rights, and your future.

🚨 Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911

Your first priority should always be your safety and the safety of others. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, Texas law requires you to report any crash involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the roadway to prevent further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights and remain calm.

📸 Step 2: Document the Scene

Before vehicles are moved or evidence is lost, use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, damage, injuries, and traffic signs. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.

These details can be critical in proving fault later—especially if the other driver denies responsibility.

📝 Step 3: Exchange Information

Get the other driver’s:

  • Name and contact information

  • Insurance details

  • Driver’s license number

  • License plate number

Be polite, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you. Let the facts speak for themselves.

👨‍⚕️ Step 4: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel “okay,” get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries—such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma—may not show symptoms right away.

Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but also hurt your injury claim by making it seem less serious than it is.

🧾 Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company (Cautiously)

Report the accident to your insurer, but be careful about what you say. Insurance adjusters—especially from the at-fault driver’s company—may attempt to minimize your claim or pressure you into a quick, lowball settlement.

Do not sign anything or agree to a recorded statement without speaking to a qualified Texas personal injury attorney first.

⚖️ Step 6: Contact Portner Bond PLLC

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our attorneys at Portner Bond PLLC are dedicated to helping crash victims secure the compensation they deserve for:

  • Medical expenses

  • Lost wages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Vehicle repairs or replacement

  • Future medical care

We’ll investigate the crash, gather evidence, handle the insurance companies, and fight for your rights—so you can focus on healing.

Know Your Rights Under Texas Law

Texas is a fault state, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for covering the damages. But proving fault can be complex, especially when dealing with commercial vehicles, uninsured drivers, or multiple parties. Time is also a factor—Texas law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.

🚗 Need Help After a Car Accident?

At Portner Bond PLLC, we’re here to guide you through every step of the post-accident process—from your first medical appointment to your final settlement. We offer compassionate counsel and aggressive advocacy for injury victims across Texas.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and protect your future.