What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston
The steps you take immediately after a car accident in Houston determine the strength of your claim. Sara Roque walks you through exactly what to do — and what NOT to do.
Step 1: Safety first
Move to safety if possible. Turn on hazard lights. Check for injuries. Call 911 immediately — even for minor accidents. A police report is essential for your insurance claim.
Step 2: Document everything
Photograph all vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and injuries. Take wide shots and close-ups. Video the entire scene. These photos cannot be recreated later.
Step 3: Exchange information
Get the other driver’s name, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and phone number. Get witness names and numbers. Do NOT discuss fault at the scene.
Step 4: Get medical attention
Even if you feel fine — see a doctor within 24 hours. Many serious injuries (whiplash, internal trauma, TBI) have delayed symptoms. Medical records establish injury and timing.
Step 5: Report to insurance
Report the accident to your insurance company. Give factual information only — don’t guess or speculate. Do NOT give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance without Sara.
Step 6: Call Sara
Before accepting any settlement offer, before giving any recorded statement, before signing anything — call Sara Roque for a free consultation to understand your rights.
CRITICAL MISTAKES TO AVOID
What NOT to Do After a Houston Car Accident
Don’t say “I’m fine”
Adrenaline masks pain. “I’m fine” said at the scene is used by insurance companies to minimize your injury claim. Say nothing about your physical condition.
Don’t apologize
Any statement that sounds like an apology — even “I’m sorry this happened” — can be twisted into an admission of fault. Stay calm and factual.
Don’t give recorded statements
The other driver’s insurance adjuster will ask for a recorded statement. This is NOT required and can be used to twist your words. Call Sara first.
Don’t accept a quick settlement
First offers are almost always far below the value of your claim. Once you sign a release, it’s permanent. Never settle without understanding your full damages.
HOUSTON-SPECIFIC TIPS
What’s Different About Houston Car Accidents
Houston’s high traffic volume, aggressive drivers, and complex freeway system create unique accident patterns. Sara knows Harris County courts and insurers intimately.
Weather conditions
Houston’s sudden rain and flooded roads contribute to accidents. Weather evidence — NWS records, traffic camera footage — can establish road conditions at the time of your crash.
Intersection failures
Malfunctioning traffic lights and improper signal timing create accidents. Sara investigates TxDOT and Houston traffic records for signal malfunctions.
Uninsured drivers
Houston has a high rate of uninsured drivers. Sara always identifies your UM/UIM coverage capacity from the first consultation.
No attorney fees until we win. If we don’t win, you pay nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Given modern repair costs, most accidents hit that threshold. A police report also protects you if the other driver later claims injuries.
No. Admissions at the scene are not binding and are often recanted later. Insurance companies investigate independently. Document everything regardless of the other driver’s statements.
Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays your damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Sara pursues all available coverage sources.
Two years from the date of the accident. However, evidence preservation is urgent — act immediately. Sara builds your case from day one to maximize leverage.
Texas uses modified comparative fault — you can recover as long as you were less than 51% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage. Sara minimizes your fault attribution.
No — never. Insurance companies monitor social media. Any post, photo, or comment about the accident or your activities can be used to minimize your claim. Stay offline about this.
This is where evidence and legal strategy matter most. Police reports, traffic cameras, witness statements, black box data, and accident reconstruction experts resolve disputed fault. Sara builds the strongest possible case.
Immediately. You don’t have to be represented to talk to Sara — the initial consultation is always free. Early intervention preserves evidence, protects your rights, and prevents costly mistakes.
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