A serious car accident can happen in seconds — a distracted driver at an intersection, a speeding truck on I-45, or a sudden rainstorm turning a short drive into a dangerous event. The moments after a crash are often confusing, frightening, and painful. Yet the actions you take immediately following a collision can determine the strength of your injury claim and the amount of compensation you recover later.
At Orange Law Firm, our Houston personal injury lawyers help car accident victims take the right steps from the very beginning. Led by Attorney Karan Joshi, our team provides compassionate legal guidance while aggressively protecting your rights against insurance companies. When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, your health, your financial security, and your legal rights should be your top priorities.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly what to do after a car accident in Houston, how to avoid common mistakes that can weaken your case, and how our law firm can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The first few seconds after impact are crucial. Even though your heart may be racing and adrenaline may be masking pain, take a deep breath and assess the situation carefully.
Start by checking yourself for injuries. Look for chest pain, neck or back stiffness, dizziness, numbness, tingling, difficulty breathing, or bleeding. Many accident victims assume they’re “fine” immediately after a crash only to develop severe symptoms hours later.
Next, check your passengers. Make sure everyone is conscious, responsive, and able to communicate. If a passenger is unresponsive or appears seriously hurt, do not attempt to move them unless the vehicle is in immediate danger (such as smoke, fire, or an oncoming crash).
Always call 911 immediately. Texas law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Emergency responders will:
- Provide medical assistance
- Secure the scene
- Direct traffic if necessary
- Document the crash
- Prepare an official report
Remember, even if the accident seems minor, obtaining medical attention early creates a record that links your injuries directly to the crash — a key factor in personal injury cases.
2. Move to Safety — But Don’t Leave the Scene
If your vehicle is drivable and staying where it is puts you in danger — such as blocking traffic on a major highway like I-10 or the 610 Loop — carefully move to a safer area. Turn on your hazard lights to warn approaching drivers.
However, do not leave the scene under any circumstances. Leaving before exchanging information or speaking with law enforcement can lead to hit-and-run charges, even if the crash was not your fault.
If your car is disabled, lock your doors and remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. Houston’s highways are known for secondary accidents caused by rubbernecking or speeding vehicles, so staying inside minimizes your risk of further injury.
3. Call the Police and Request a Crash Report
In Houston, police officers handle thousands of accident calls every month. Even if both drivers insist the crash was minor, having an official Houston Police Department (HPD) or Harris County Sheriff’s Office report is essential.
A crash report includes:
- Driver names and license information
- Vehicle make, model, and VIN
- Road, weather, and lighting conditions
- Witness statements
- Officer’s observations
- Preliminary fault assessment
Insurance companies rely heavily on these reports when evaluating claims. Without a police report, it becomes much easier for the at-fault driver to change their story later or deny responsibility.
If the police cannot respond, you must file a CR-2 (Blue Form) through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). An attorney can help ensure the form is filled out accurately.
4. Exchange Information
Once the scene is safe, calmly exchange information with the other driver. Collect:
- Full name, phone number, and address
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
Avoid discussing the accident in detail. Statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” may be interpreted as an admission of fault — even if you were simply trying to be polite.
Only exchange the necessary information. Let the investigation determine what truly happened.
5. Document the Scene with Photos and Videos
Your smartphone is one of the most powerful tools you have after a crash. The more documentation you gather, the stronger your injury claim becomes.
Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage (close and wide shots)
- Broken glass, debris, skid marks, or fluid leaks
- Traffic lights, stop signs, and intersection layout
- Road conditions — oil patches, potholes, rain puddles, etc.
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Your injuries, bruises, cuts, swelling
- Any visible hazards or driver behavior
Capture images from multiple angles. If possible, take a short video walking around the scene to show the overall environment.
Make sure your phone’s timestamp is active or record the time verbally in your video. This helps verify the accuracy of your documentation.
6. Gather Witness Information
Witnesses can significantly strengthen your case. A third-party perspective — especially from someone who has no relationship to either driver — can be extremely persuasive in determining fault.
If someone saw what happened, politely ask for:
- Their full name
- Phone number
- Email address
Simple statements from witnesses can help prove:
- A driver ran a red light
- A driver was speeding
- A driver was using a cell phone
- A driver swerved or drifted into your lane
Insurance companies often dismiss victims’ claims, but they rarely ignore credible witnesses.
7. Get Medical Help — Even If You Feel Fine
One of the biggest mistakes Houston car accident victims make is waiting too long to seek medical treatment. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, you may have:
- Concussions or brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Pulled muscles or torn ligaments
Symptoms may not appear until 24–72 hours later.
Seeking immediate medical attention provides:
- A clear record linking injuries to the accident
- Proof for insurance companies
- Early diagnosis to prevent long-term complications
If you don’t have insurance or are concerned about costs, Orange Law Firm can help you connect with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection (LOPs) — meaning you pay nothing upfront.
8. Notify Your Insurance Company
Texas law requires drivers to report accidents to their insurance provider. When you call your insurer:
Stick to the basic facts, such as:
- The time and location of the crash
- Vehicles involved
- Whether a police report was filed
Avoid discussing:
- Injuries (say you are still being evaluated)
- Exact details of the crash
- Who was at fault
- Recorded statements
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be used against you later.
If the at-fault driver’s insurer calls, politely decline to give a recorded statement. Refer them to your attorney.
9. Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Even a simple crash can quickly turn complicated. Insurance companies often:
- Deny liability
- Delay payment
- Claim injuries are unrelated
- Offer lowball settlements
- Try to blame you
A skilled attorney protects you from these tactics.
At Orange Law Firm, Attorney Karan Joshi and our legal team handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Gathering evidence
- Communicating with insurance adjusters
- Obtaining police and medical records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with experts
- Negotiating settlements
- Filing lawsuits if necessary
We help victims recover compensation for:
- ER visits and hospital bills
- Surgery, rehab, and physical therapy
- Lost income and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
10. Understand the Texas Fault System
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. Here’s what that means:
- You can be partially at fault and still recover compensation.
- If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example:
If you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you receive $80,000.
Insurance companies often inflate a victim’s fault percentage to reduce payouts. An attorney ensures this does not happen.
11. Know the Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline almost always means losing the right to compensation.
Exceptions may apply if:
- The injured person is a minor
- The at-fault driver is a government employee
- The victim was physically unable to file sooner
Your attorney will determine the exact deadline for your case.
12. Avoid These Common Mistakes After a Houston Car Accident
Many victims unintentionally harm their claims by making avoidable mistakes. Avoid:
Admitting fault
Even saying “sorry” can be twisted into an admission.
Delaying medical treatment
Insurance adjusters argue you were not seriously injured.
Posting on social media
Photos and comments can be used against you.
Accepting a quick settlement
Fast offers almost always undervalue injuries.
Talking too much to insurance companies
They are not on your side — no matter how friendly they sound.
Failing to hire a lawyer
Unrepresented victims often receive significantly lower settlements.
At Orange Law Firm, we make sure none of these mistakes damage your claim.
13. What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Flees the Scene?
Houston has a high number of uninsured and underinsured drivers. If the at-fault driver has no insurance — or leaves the scene — you still have options.
Your UM/UIM coverage may pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs
If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, we can explore:
- Third-party liability
- Claims against auto manufacturers for mechanical defects
- Premises liability if road hazards contributed
- Dram shop claims if the driver was intoxicated
An attorney can uncover avenues of compensation you may not know exist.
14. Common Injuries in Houston Car Crashes
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Neck and back strain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and scarring
- Torn ligaments
- PTSD and anxiety disorders
In severe crashes, injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities requiring surgery, therapy, and long-term care. Full compensation must account for future medical needs, not just immediate expenses.
15. The Role of Medical Specialists and Accident Reconstruction Experts
Orange Law Firm often partners with experts to strengthen your case, including:
Accident reconstructionists
Who analyze vehicle impact, skid marks, black-box data, and crash physics.
Medical professionals
Who explain the severity of injuries and long-term consequences.
Economic experts
Who calculate lost earning potential, future care needs, and damages.
This evidence can dramatically increase settlement value.
16. What If You Were a Passenger?
Passengers have the same rights as drivers — sometimes even more. You can file a claim against:
- The at-fault driver of another vehicle
- The driver of the car you were riding in
- Both drivers, if they share fault
Passengers are rarely considered responsible for accidents, making their claims more straightforward.
17. Commercial Vehicle, Rideshare & Truck Accident Cases
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are especially complex. These may include:
- 18-wheelers
- Company trucks
- Delivery vans
- Rideshare vehicles (Uber/Lyft)
- Construction vehicles
- Oil-and-gas trucks
These cases involve multiple parties:
- The driver
- The company
- Vehicle maintenance contractors
- Insurance carriers
Commercial insurance companies are aggressive. Orange Law Firm knows how to obtain:
- Black box data
- Driver logs
- Maintenance records
- Safety violations
- Training files
This evidence is often the key to proving negligence.
18. Why Choose Orange Law Firm
When you are injured, you need a law firm that treats your case with urgency and personal care. We are:
Local
Deeply connected to Houston communities.
Experienced
Handling personal injury, immigration, and complex litigation.
Accessible
Real communication with real attorneys — no call centers.
Results-Driven
We don’t settle unless it is in your best interest.
We believe every accident victim deserves fairness, dignity, and justice.
19. What to Expect During Your Free Consultation
When you contact Orange Law Firm, you will meet directly with an attorney. During your consultation, we will:
- Review the details of your accident
- Analyze police and medical records
- Examine photos and evidence
- Explain your rights
- Estimate the value of your case
- Discuss next steps with no upfront cost
We take the legal stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
20. Contact Orange Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a Houston car accident, don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses become harder to reach. Insurers work quickly to limit their liability.
Let Attorney Karan Joshi and the Orange Law Firm team protect your rights and help you rebuild your life.
📍 Orange Law Firm
6100 Corporate Drive, Suite 515
Houston, TX
📞 713-885-9787
🌐 www.orangelaw.us
We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve — one client, one case, and one victory at a time.
