Car accidents happen every day on Expressway 83, I-69C, and the busy streets of McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, and Alamo. After a crash, the steps you take in the first hours and days can make a real difference in protecting your health and your right to compensation. Insurance companies start building their side of the case immediately, and you should too.
Right After the Accident
- Call 911 and request police and medical help, even if the crash seems minor. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any claim.
- Get medical attention the same day, even for minor symptoms. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries often do not show up until hours or days later, and a gap in treatment gives the insurance company an excuse to question your injuries.
- Document the scene with photos of all vehicles, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and your injuries. Get the other driver’s name, license, insurance information, and plate number.
- Collect contact details for any witnesses before they leave. Independent witnesses carry significant weight with insurers and juries.
- Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Stick to the facts when speaking with police.
In the Days That Follow
Report the Crash to Your Own Insurer
Your policy requires you to report an accident promptly. Give the basic facts, but you are not required to give a detailed recorded statement about your injuries right away.
Be Careful With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Adjusters for the at-fault driver often call within days, sounding friendly and asking for a recorded statement. Their job is to minimize what the company pays. You are not obligated to give them a statement, and it is generally wise to speak with an attorney first.
Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement
Early offers almost never account for future medical treatment, lost wages, or long-term effects of an injury. Once you sign a release, your claim is closed for good, even if your condition gets worse.
Keep Records of Everything
Save medical bills, repair estimates, pharmacy receipts, pay stubs showing missed work, and a simple journal of your pain and daily limitations. These records become the foundation of your claim.
Texas Rules That Affect Your Claim
- Two-year deadline: In most cases, a personal injury lawsuit in Texas must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. Waiting too long can cost you your right to recover anything.
- Comparative fault: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover if you were partly at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you recover nothing if you are found more than 50 percent responsible. This is one reason to avoid admitting fault.
- Your own coverage: Personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy can help pay medical bills and lost wages, especially if the other driver has little or no insurance, which is common in the Valley.
We Fight for Accident Victims
From car wrecks to 18-wheeler accidents, the Law Office of AJ Garcia pursues full and fair compensation for injury victims across the Rio Grande Valley. We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on getting better, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our office is located in Alamo, Texas. Call (956) 601-0247 to book a consultation. Se habla español.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every accident is different, and you should speak with an attorney about your specific situation.