If you are involved in a car accident in Fort Worth, your first priority is safety. Texas law requires drivers to stop, check for injuries, exchange information, and take reasonable steps to avoid further harm. Documenting the scene, getting medical care, and being cautious with insurance conversations all help protect your rights. Crashes are common along I-35W, I-30, I-20, and Loop 820, and knowing what to do immediately after can make the aftermath less overwhelming. This guide explains the steps required under Texas law and offers practical advice for navigating the days that follow.
Stay Safe and Follow Texas Law at the Crash Scene
After a crash, the first focus is safety and compliance with Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550. Drivers must stop, check for injuries, exchange information, and provide reasonable assistance when needed. If the vehicles can be moved and it is safe to do so, Texas law allows drivers to move them out of traffic to reduce the risk of secondary crashes. Many collisions in Fort Worth happen on busy roads or at intersections where vehicles blocking lanes can create additional hazards. Staying calm and following required steps helps protect everyone involved and ensures compliance with Texas law.
What Are My Legal Duties After a Car Accident in Texas?
Texas law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, remain at the scene, exchange insurance and contact information, and provide reasonable aid to anyone who is hurt. Reasonable aid may include calling 911 or helping someone get medical attention. Leaving the scene without completing these steps may lead to criminal charges. These duties apply regardless of fault and help ensure that injured people receive timely assistance and that the incident can be properly documented.
Do I Have to Stay at the Scene if the Crash Seems Minor?
Yes. Even if the crash appears minor, Texas law still requires stopping and exchanging information with the other driver. Many minor crashes occur along busy Fort Worth corridors such as Cooper Street or Collins Street, where even small fender-benders need proper reporting. Remaining at the scene helps ensure that insurance claims can move forward and that all parties meet their legal obligations.
Call 911 and Report the Fort Worth Car Accident
Reporting a car accident helps ensure that medical responders, firefighters, or police arrive quickly if needed. Texas law requires reporting crashes that involve injury, death, or property damage likely to exceed one thousand dollars. In Fort Worth, officers typically prepare a Texas CR-3 Crash Report when responding to qualifying collisions. This report includes key details about the crash location, driver statements, and possible contributing factors. These records help document what happened and may be important later for insurance claims or legal questions.
When Do I Need to Call 911 After a Fort Worth Car Accident?
Call 911 after any crash involving injury, suspected injury, or significant vehicle damage. If you are unsure whether damage exceeds one thousand dollars, it is safer to call. Officers will assess the scene and prepare a CR-3 Crash Report when required. Reporting the crash promptly helps ensure injuries are addressed and that official documentation is created.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Fort Worth Accident Report?
Most Fort Worth accident reports are uploaded to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Report Online Purchase System, known as CRIS. Reports typically become available within several days. You can search using names, crash date, or the report number provided by the responding officer. This document is useful for insurance claims because it offers an official summary of what happened.
Document the Scene and Collect Key Evidence
Documenting a crash scene helps preserve important details. Photos, video, and witness information help show how the collision occurred. Evidence may include vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, or debris on the roadway. In Fort Worth, where many intersections and highways are monitored by businesses or traffic cameras, additional footage may be available. Gathering information early helps ensure that insurers have accurate details and may help avoid disputes about fault.
What Evidence Should I Gather at a Car Accident Scene?
Useful evidence includes:
- Photos of vehicle damage and positions
- Pictures of the roadway, traffic lights, and surroundings
- Contact and insurance information from all drivers
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Screenshot of the other driver’s insurance card
- Notes about what happened immediately before the crash
These details help support your version of events when insurers evaluate the claim.
Why Is the Texas CR-3 Crash Report Important for My Claim?
The CR-3 report is the official Texas crash record. Insurers often rely on it to help understand fault, vehicle movements, and contributing factors. While it is not the final word in determining responsibility, it is an important piece of documentation that supports a claim.
Get Medical Care and Monitor Symptoms After a Fort Worth Crash
Even minor collisions can cause injuries that appear hours or days later. Seeking medical care helps identify issues early and provides documentation that links symptoms to the crash. Fort Worth crash victims commonly experience delayed-onset injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue strains. Medical providers can recommend imaging, follow-up visits, or therapy when needed. Keeping track of symptoms helps guide treatment and strengthens your insurance claim.
Should I See a Doctor After a Minor Car Accident?
Yes. Many crash-related injuries appear gradually. Headaches, stiffness, or dizziness may indicate a more serious condition. Seeing a doctor helps identify problems early and creates a medical record that ties your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies often question claims without prompt medical documentation, so early care helps protect your rights.
What Symptoms After a Crash Mean I Should Go Back to the Doctor?
You should return to the doctor if you experience headaches, dizziness, numbness, tingling, worsening pain, difficulty concentrating, or changes in mobility. These symptoms may indicate a more serious injury that requires additional evaluation. Prompt follow-up care helps prevent complications and provides important documentation.
Notify Insurance Carefully and Talk to a Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies need to be notified promptly after a crash, but it is important to be cautious when speaking with adjusters. Your insurer may ask basic questions to open a claim, but the other driver’s insurer may request recorded statements or offer quick settlements before the full impact of the injury is known. Understanding your rights helps avoid mistakes that could affect compensation. A Fort Worth car accident lawyer can help clarify questions about fault, documentation, and deadlines.
What Should I Say to the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
Notify your insurer about the crash and provide basic information such as the date, location, and vehicles involved. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers from the other driver’s insurer. Adjusters may look for statements that minimize injuries or shift blame. Provide documents only when you understand their purpose and do not speculate about fault.
When Should I Contact a Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer?
Contact a lawyer when injuries, disputed fault, or insurance issues arise. A lawyer can help gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and explain your options under Texas law. Early guidance helps prevent errors and ensures that important deadlines and documentation needs are met.
What to Do After a Fort Worth Car Accident: A Final Word
A car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. Understanding your legal duties, taking the right steps to document what happened, and getting appropriate medical care all help protect your health and your ability to recover compensation. If you have questions about your options or need help navigating insurance or deadlines, Patterson Law Group can guide you through the process with clarity and support. Contact our Fort Worth car accident lawyers today to learn how we can help you take the next step toward healing and resolution.
