Car accidents can disrupt your life in a matter of seconds. In the immediate aftermath of the collision, your mind is reeling, and pain may be mounting. Trying to figure out what to do during a stressful and unfamiliar situation is enough to overwhelm anyone.

What’s more (and what many people don’t realize) is that the first 24 hours after a crash are some of the most important both for your health as well as for protecting your legal rights and any future claim. The steps you take (or don’t take) during this window can have a lasting impact.

Here’s what to focus on in those critical first hours: seeking medical care, documenting the scene, being cautious with insurance communications, and getting early guidance from an attorney. These steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim and recovery.

Steps to Take in the First 24 Hours After a Texas Car Crash

The first 24 hours after a car accident are critical for protecting your health and legal claim. Here are important steps to take:

• Check for injuries and seek medical attention - Your health comes first. Even if you feel seemingly “fine” immediately after the crash, it’s important to understand that adrenaline can mask pain. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage often don’t fully appear until hours or even days later.

If emergency services respond, accept medical evaluation. If not, consider visiting an urgent care clinic or your primary care provider as soon as possible. Early medical documentation not only protects your health, but it also creates a clear record connecting your injuries to the accident.

• Call the police and get a crash report - In Texas, most accidents involving injury or significant damage should be reported to law enforcement. When officers arrive on the scene, they will create a crash report that includes statements from drivers and witnesses, initial observations about the scene, and information about the vehicles involved. This report often becomes a key piece of evidence in determining fault later.

When speaking with officers, be sure to stick to the facts and avoid speculation or assigning blame in the moment. If a police officer doesn’t show up or there’s an omission in the police report, our attorneys will contact the police department on your behalf and request that they write an amended report that accurately reflects the accident.

• Document the scene if you can - If it’s safe to do so, gather as much information as possible at the scene. This includes photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles; the position of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and weather; visible injuries; and license plates and driver’s licenses. Also, get the other driver's contact and insurance information, along with the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. These details can become incredibly important if there are later disputes about what happened.
• Notify your insurance company - You or your attorney should let your insurance company know about the accident. Again, if it’s you who is calling, stick to the facts when describing what happened. We advise being cautious when speaking to the other driver’s insurance company. They may try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into a quick settlement.
• Consult a car accident attorney - You don’t have to wait for the insurance company to deny your claim or for your pain to worsen before talking to a lawyer. In fact, one of the best times to reach out for a Texas car accident attorney is immediately after the crash, as the earlier you call, the stronger your case can become.
• Start tracking your symptoms and recovery - After a crash, it’s helpful to take notes of how your body feels as the day (and days thereafter) go on. Jot down any new or worsening pain; headaches, dizziness, or fatigue; and limitations in movement or daily activities. This type of medical journal creates a timeline of your symptoms, which can be helpful for both medical providers and your legal claim.

Contact Us if You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in a Car Accident

The first 24 hours after a car accident often set the tone for everything that follows. Having the right information early can make a meaningful difference.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Texas, call our experienced personal injury attorneys at McKinney Vos PLLC right away. From dealing with insurance companies to building a strong claim, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident in Texas?

A: Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If you can do so safely, move vehicles out of traffic and document the scene with photos. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and report the accident to your insurance company. Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you feel fine, since symptoms like whiplash and concussions often surface hours or days after a crash.

Q: Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Texas?

A: In Texas, you are generally required to report accidents that involve injury, death, or significant property damage to law enforcement. An official police report documents the facts of the crash and can become critical evidence in your injury claim. If officers do not respond to the scene, you can file a report directly with the Texas Department of Transportation.

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?

A: Texas law gives most car accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to recover compensation, so it is important to contact an attorney well before the statute of limitations expires.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: Yes, in many cases. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are 50 percent or less at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you are barred from recovery.

Q: Why does the first 24 hours matter so much in a Texas car accident case?

A: Evidence degrades quickly. Skid marks fade, witness memories change, and surveillance footage gets overwritten. Seeking medical care within the first 24 hours also creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries, which insurers and courts rely on when evaluating claims. Early action protects both your health and your legal rights.