Our area has some wonderful things going for it, but light traffic isn't always one of them! Between entering that awful I-45 ramp at Shenandoah during rush hour, leaving the Town Center garage parking after a large festival event, and all the other roads around town that seem to get busier each year, even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in an accident.
I hope none of us ever need this advice, but accidents happen – even to careful drivers. And those first few minutes (and the days that follow) can affect not only your health but also any insurance claim or legal case that may come afterward.
To help us all be a little more prepared, Texas personal injury attorney Russell "Rusty" Reynolds, Founding Partner of Reynolds & Reynolds, shares five common mistakes people make after a car accident, and what to do instead.
1. Leaving the Scene Too Soon
Even if the accident seems minor, don't be in a hurry to drive away. Taking a few extra minutes to handle everything properly can make a big difference later.
Here's what you should do:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Call law enforcement, even if the accident seems minor.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
- Wait for the officer to arrive.
- Give an honest, factual account of what happened.
One thing worth reminding our teen drivers: stick to the facts. Don't exaggerate, guess what happened, or accuse the other driver of something you don't know for certain.
2. Accidentally Admitting Fault
This one surprised me. So many of us naturally say, "I'm so sorry," even when something wasn't our fault. We say it because we're concerned or because the situation feels awkward—not because we're admitting responsibility.
Unfortunately, those words can sometimes be interpreted differently.
Instead, keep conversations polite but brief, and let law enforcement investigate what happened. There may be details you don't know yet, such as whether the other driver was distracted, whether road conditions played a role, or whether security cameras captured the accident.
3. Waiting Too Long to See a Doctor
Adrenaline is a funny thing. You may walk away from an accident thinking you're perfectly fine, only to wake up the next morning with neck pain, headaches, or other symptoms.
That's why it's important to get checked out if you've been in a crash. Some injuries—including whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries—don't always show up immediately.
Getting medical care isn't just about protecting a future claim. More importantly, it's about protecting your health.
4. Talking Too Much to Insurance Companies
After an accident, insurance companies often call quickly. While they may seem friendly, remember that the other driver's insurance company is also looking out for its own interests.
Be careful about giving recorded statements before you fully understand what happened or the extent of your injuries.
And here's something that's especially relevant these days: be cautious on social media, too. Photos, updates, or comments about the accident or even about your activities afterward could potentially be used during the claims process.
5. Trying to Handle Everything Alone
Many people assume they'll just work things out directly with the insurance company. Sometimes that's enough. But if there are injuries, disagreements about fault, or significant damage, it may be worth speaking with an attorney who focuses on Texas personal injury cases.
An experienced attorney can help explain your rights, communicate with insurance companies, make sure deadlines are met, and help you understand what fair compensation may look like.
As Reynolds puts it, "After a crash, every decision matters. The more informed you are from the beginning, the better positioned you'll be to protect yourself, your family, and your future."
Hopefully, none of us will ever need this information. But it never hurts to be prepared, especially if you have teenagers or young adults who are just beginning to navigate Houston-area traffic on their own. Consider sharing these tips with everyone in your household. A five-minute conversation today could save a lot of stress down the road.
