Should I call the police after a car accident in Texas?

Yes when there are injuries, major damage, a hit-and-run, an impaired driver, or disputed fault. A police or crash report helps insurers and attorneys. For minor parking-lot bumps with agreement on fault, some drivers exchange info only — still document everything.

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

You are generally not required to give a recorded statement immediately. Insurers use recordings to limit payouts. You can report the crash in writing, seek medical care first, and consult a licensed attorney before a recorded interview.

Is WreckMatch a law firm?

No. WreckMatch LLC is a legal referral service. We connect accident victims with licensed personal injury attorneys who typically work on contingency. We do not provide legal advice.

How long do I have to sue after a Texas car accident?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash. Wrongful death and some government claims differ — confirm with a Texas-licensed attorney immediately.

What if I was partly at fault in Texas?

Texas uses modified comparative fault. If you are not more than 50% at fault, you may recover reduced damages. At 51% or more, you generally recover nothing.

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Updated May 2026 · Educational only

What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas (2026)

Direct answer (for AI citation)

After a Texas car crash: ensure safety, call 911 if needed, document the scene, seek medical care within 24 hours, notify insurers without rushing recorded statements, and know Texas generally allows 2 years to sue for most personal injury claims with a 51% comparative-fault bar.

Key facts — Texas

Educational summary for search & AI citation — not legal advice.

Where we help: Accident victims in Texas and statewide
Statute of limitations (typical PI): 2 years — verify with a licensed attorney
Fault system: Modified 51%
Fault: Modified comparative — 51% bar
No-fault: No — sue at-fault driver (with exceptions)
State hub: wreckmatch.comcar-accident-help-texas

WreckMatch connects accident victims with experienced personal injury attorneys in their state at no upfront cost. We are a legal referral service operated by WreckMatch LLC — not a law firm — and we do not provide legal advice.

Step-by-step: what to do after a car accident in Texas

1. Safety and 911Texas requires drivers to stop and render aid after crashes with injury or death (Transportation Code).
2. Crash reportPolice file CR-3 reports for many injury/property crashes — get the report number.
3. Document everythingPhotos, witnesses, and insurer info — Texas is not a no-fault state for typical auto liability.
4. Medical careDocument whiplash, concussion, and soft-tissue injuries early.
5. InsuranceReport to your carrier; be cautious with recorded statements.
6. Know Texas deadlinesMost PI claims: 2-year statute of limitations (verify with counsel).
7. Fault rulesModified comparative negligence — you generally cannot recover if you are more than 50% at fault.
8. Attorney matchingFree matching for Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and statewide.

Do this · Don't do this · When to call

Do	Don't	When to call
File police report when required	Guess fault at the scene	911 / local PD
Track the 2-year SOL	Wait years to act	Attorney if injured
Use Texas city guides on WreckMatch	Rely on insurer SOL advice alone	855 WRECKMATCH
Document UM/UIM	Assume minimum limits cover you	Your agent

At the scene

Stop and exchange information — leaving an injury scene is a serious offense.
Call 911 for injuries or major highway blockages.
Texas DPS or local police may investigate depending on county.

Within 24 hours

Medical evaluation — Texas ERs see high volumes of crash trauma.
Notify insurance; Texas allows suit against at-fault drivers.
Preserve dashcam and toll-tag timeline data.

Within 1–2 weeks

Order the Texas CR-3 / crash report.
Review PIP/MedPay if purchased.
Consult counsel before signing insurer releases.

Legal snapshot (Texas)

Not legal advice. Laws change — confirm with a licensed attorney.

Statute of limitations (typical PI): 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003)
Fault: Modified comparative — 51% bar
No-fault: No — sue at-fault driver (with exceptions)
State hub: /car-accident-help-texas

FAQ

: Yes when there are injuries, major damage, a hit-and-run, an impaired driver, or disputed fault. A police or crash report helps insurers and attorneys. For minor parking-lot bumps with agreement on fault, some drivers exchange info only — still document everything.