What to Do After a Car Accident in Austin – Step-by-Step Guide

Being involved in a car accident is stressful, confusing, and often frightening. In the chaos of the moment, it's hard to think clearly about what steps you should take. But the actions you take at the scene and in the days following can make a significant difference in your recovery—both physical and financial.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Austin, Texas. Following these steps helps protect your health, preserve your legal rights, and set the foundation for a successful injury claim if someone else's negligence caused your accident.

At the Accident Scene

Step 1 – Check for Injuries

Your first priority is safety. Before anything else:

• Assess yourself for injuries—can you move without pain?
• Check on passengers in your vehicle
• If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately
• Don't move anyone who may have neck or spine injuries unless there's immediate danger (like fire)

Remember: some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline.

Step 2 – Move to Safety

If the accident is minor and vehicles are drivable:

• Move cars out of traffic lanes if possible
• Turn on hazard lights
• Set up flares or warning triangles if you have them
• Position yourself safely away from moving traffic

If vehicles can't be moved, get yourself to a safe location while waiting for police.

Step 3 – Call 911

Always call 911 after a car accident, especially if:

• Anyone is injured
• There appears to be significant property damage
• The other driver seems impaired

Texas law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. A police report creates an official record of the accident and is crucial evidence for your claim.

Step 4 – Exchange Information

Get the following information from all other drivers involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver's license number
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, year, and color
• License plate number

Important: Exchange information factually. Don't discuss who was at fault, don't apologize, and don't make statements about the accident beyond basic facts.

Step 5 – Document Everything

Your smartphone is a powerful documentation tool. Take photos of:

• All vehicles involved from multiple angles
• Damage to each vehicle (close-ups and wide shots)
• The accident scene including road conditions
• Traffic signs, signals, and road markings
• Skid marks or debris
• Any visible injuries
• Weather and lighting conditions

The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.

Step 6 – Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident happen:

• Get their name and phone number
• Ask briefly what they observed
• Their testimony could be crucial if fault is disputed

Witnesses often leave the scene quickly, so gather this information promptly.

What NOT to Do at the Scene

Don't Admit Fault

Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, don't admit fault at the scene. Simple statements like "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" can be used against you later. Fault is determined by a thorough investigation—not by on-scene emotions.

Don't Argue with the Other Driver

Emotions run high after accidents. Stay calm, stick to exchanging information, and avoid confrontation. If the other driver becomes aggressive, stay in your vehicle and wait for police.

Don't Leave the Scene

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Texas, even for minor collisions. Always:

• Stay at the scene until police release you
• Exchange information with other drivers
• Wait for the police report to be taken

Don't Refuse Medical Attention

If EMTs respond to the scene, don't refuse evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and refusing medical attention is documented—which insurance companies use to argue you weren't really hurt.

After Leaving the Scene

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24-72 hours of your accident. Many injuries don't show symptoms immediately:

• Whiplash often takes 24-48 hours to present
• Internal bleeding may not be obvious
• Concussions can have delayed symptoms
• Soft tissue injuries worsen over time

Medical documentation is crucial for your claim. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments.

Report to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. When reporting:

• Provide basic facts about the accident
• Don't speculate about fault
• Don't give a recorded statement without first consulting an attorney

Don't Post on Social Media

Insurance companies routinely monitor claimants' social media accounts looking for posts that contradict injury claims. Until your case is resolved:

• Don't post about the accident
• Don't post photos that could be misinterpreted
• Avoid discussing your injuries or activities online
• Consider making accounts private

Protecting Your Legal Rights

Get the Police Report

The police report becomes available typically 5-10 days after your accident. In Austin:

• Austin Police Department reports: Available through APD Records
• Texas Department of Public Safety (highway crashes): Available online through TxDOT
• You may need the report number or incident date

Review the report carefully for accuracy and report any errors.

Keep All Documentation

Create a file for everything related to your accident:

• Medical bills and records
• Vehicle repair estimates and invoices
• Rental car receipts
• Lost wage documentation from your employer
• Receipts for any accident-related expenses

Start a Recovery Journal

Keep daily notes documenting your recovery:

• Pain levels (use a 1-10 scale)
• Activities you can no longer do
• How injuries affect your work
• Sleep difficulties
• Emotional impacts—anxiety, depression, fear of driving

This contemporaneous record can be powerful evidence of your suffering.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Before speaking with the other driver's insurance company, consult with a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can:

• Protect you from insurance company tactics
• Ensure evidence is preserved
• Calculate the full value of your claim
• Handle all communications so you can focus on recovery

Learn more about the personal injury claim process in Texas.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Their Goal vs. Your Goal

Remember: insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Your goal is to receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and suffering.

Don't Give Recorded Statements

The other driver's insurance company may call asking for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one. These statements are often used to find inconsistencies or statements that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Let your attorney handle these communications.

Don't Accept Quick Settlements

Insurance companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers hoping you'll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries. Never sign anything or accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Once you sign a release, you give up all future claims—even if your injuries turn out to be worse than initially thought.

When You Need Emergency Care

Signs of Serious Injury

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Severe or worsening headache
• Neck or back pain
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion or disorientation
• Bleeding that won't stop

Austin Area Hospitals

Major trauma centers and emergency facilities in Austin include:

• Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas
• St. David's Medical Center
• Ascension Seton Medical Center
• Various freestanding emergency centers throughout Austin

Texas-Specific Considerations

Texas is an At-Fault State

Texas follows an "at-fault" system for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance or sue them directly.

Texas also uses "modified comparative negligence"—you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is 50% or less. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Texas Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:

• $30,000 bodily injury per person
• $60,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Unfortunately, many drivers carry only these minimums, which may not cover serious injuries. An attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation.

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue. Learn more about the Texas statute of limitations.