What to Do After a Car Accident in Dallas: A Complete Guide

Getting into a car accident is stressful and disorienting. In the chaos of the moment, it's easy to forget important steps that could affect your insurance claim or legal rights. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Step 1: Ensure Safety

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries
• If possible and safe, move vehicles out of traffic to the shoulder
• Turn on hazard lights
• Set up flares or warning triangles if you have them
• Call 911 if there are any injuries or significant damage

Step 2: Call the Police

In Texas, you're required to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even for minor accidents, having a police report is valuable for insurance claims.

Dallas Police Non-Emergency: (214) 744-4444
Emergency: 911

Step 3: Exchange Information

Collect the following from all drivers involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver's license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate
• Location of the accident

Step 4: Document Everything

Use your phone to take photos of:

• All vehicles involved (multiple angles)
• Damage to each vehicle
• The accident scene and road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals nearby
• Skid marks or debris
• Any visible injuries
• The other driver's license plate and insurance card

Step 5: Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident, get their name and phone number. Witness statements can be crucial if there's a dispute about what happened.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, some injuries don't show symptoms immediately. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries can take hours or days to manifest. See a doctor within 24-48 hours of the accident, and keep all medical records.

Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.

Step 8: Get Your Crash Report

The official Texas Crash Report (CR-3) becomes available 7-10 days after the accident. This document contains:

• The officer's diagram of the accident
• Fault determination and contributing factors
• Information about all parties involved
• Witness statements
• Any citations issued

Step 9: Consider Legal Consultation

If you were injured, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. Many offer free consultations and work on contingency (you don't pay unless you win). An attorney can help you:

• Navigate complex insurance claims
• Determine if you have a case for compensation
• Deal with the at-fault party's insurance company
• Ensure you receive fair compensation for injuries and damages

What NOT to Do

• Don't admit fault at the scene or to insurance adjusters
• Don't sign anything from the other party's insurance without review
• Don't post about the accident on social media
• Don't wait too long to seek medical attention
• Don't accept a quick settlement without understanding the full extent of your injuries

Important Texas Deadlines

• Statute of Limitations: 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit
• Insurance Claims: Report to your insurer within 30 days (check your policy)
• Crash Report: Available 7-10 days after the accident