What to Do After a Car Accident in Bedford, Texas

Quick answer: What to do after a car accident in Bedford comes down to a short list. Stop, check whether anyone is hurt, and call 911 if they are. Give the other driver your name, address, vehicle registration number and insurance company, and get theirs. Call the police if anyone was injured or a car cannot be driven safely. Take photos, get witness names, report the crash to your insurer, and get checked, because accident injuries do not always hurt right away.

Every step below comes from the Texas Transportation Code, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), so you can check each one yourself. Save this page on your phone so the list is there if you ever need it.

What should you do at the scene of a car accident?

Stop. Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021 says a driver in a collision that injures or is likely to injure someone must stop at the scene or as close to it as possible, find out whether anyone needs aid, and stay until the information exchange is done. Section 550.022 says the same for crashes that only damage a vehicle someone is driving or attending, and adds that you should stop without blocking traffic more than you need to. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.

What information do you have to exchange?

Under Section 550.023, each driver gives their name and address, the registration number of the vehicle they were driving, and the name of their liability insurer, and shows their driver’s license if asked. The same section requires reasonable help for anyone injured, including arranging a ride to a doctor or hospital if treatment is clearly needed or the person asks for it.

TDI suggests taking a picture of the other driver’s insurance card and license. If they do not have an insurance card, ask for their name, phone number, insurance company and policy number. If the other driver refuses to name their insurer, TDI says to call the police.

When do you have to call the police in Bedford?

Section 550.026 requires immediate notice to the local police department when a crash injures or kills someone, or leaves a vehicle that cannot be driven normally and safely. Inside Bedford city limits, that means the Bedford Police Department. Outside city limits, the statute points you to the county sheriff’s office. TDI adds two more reasons to call: if anyone was injured, or if the other driver drove away. Your uninsured motorist coverage will not pay for a hit-and-run you did not report to police.

What should you write down and photograph?

Write down the location, the time, the weather and what happened while it is fresh. TDI recommends photos of every car involved, including license plates and damage, plus street signs and road angles. Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers: TDI notes that independent witnesses can help prove fault if the other driver denies it. Get the responding officer’s name and badge number so you can follow up on the report.

What to do in the first days: a checklist

When	What to do	Why
At the scene	Stop, check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt	Transportation Code 550.021 and 550.022
At the scene	Exchange name, address, registration and insurer; show your license if asked	Transportation Code 550.023
At the scene	Call police if anyone is hurt or a car cannot be driven safely	Transportation Code 550.026
Same day	Photos, witness names, notes on time, place and weather	TDI claim tips
As soon as possible	Report the crash to your insurer and get the adjuster’s name	TDI: most companies have claim deadlines
First few days	Get checked for neck pain, back pain, headaches or stiffness	Injuries do not always hurt right away
After about 10 days	Buy the officer’s crash report (CR-3)	Officers must file it with TxDOT by the 10th day

When should you call your insurance company?

As soon as possible. TDI’s auto insurance guide says most companies have deadlines for filing claims, and the number to report a claim is usually on your insurance card. Ask for the name and phone number of the adjuster assigned to your claim. If you think the other driver caused the crash, TDI says you can report it to their insurance company, and their insurance should pay for your car repair, medical bills and a rental car.

Your own policy may also help with medical bills no matter who was at fault. Read personal injury protection (PIP) in Texas before you assume you have no coverage.

How do you get the police crash report?

When an officer investigates a crash that injures or kills someone, or causes apparent damage of $1,000 or more to one person’s property, Section 550.062 requires a written report, filed with TxDOT no later than the 10th day after the crash. You can then buy a copy online. Our guide on how to get your Texas crash report walks through it step by step. TDI suggests sending a copy to your insurance company.

Why get checked if you feel fine?

After a crash, adrenaline can hide pain for hours or days, and stiffness, headaches or nerve symptoms often show up later. MedlinePlus advises getting medical attention for back pain that follows an injury, and TDI says to keep your medical records and bills for your claim. If anything feels like an emergency, such as a head injury, loss of consciousness, numbness or weakness, or trouble breathing, call 911 or go to an emergency room first.

Read whiplash symptoms that can show up days later and back and neck pain after a crash for the signs to watch.

What about settlement offers and legal questions?

TDI notes that if another driver’s insurer offers to settle your medical bills, it will usually ask you to sign a release promising not to file more claims for the accident. Before you sign, TDI says to talk to your doctor about any future treatment you might need. Questions about fault, settlements or deadlines are legal questions: talk to an attorney. We do not give legal advice, but we can give you a referral.

Why choose Back & Neck Care Center of Bedford for car accident care?

We have 30 years of treating injury cases. At your first visit, Dr. Richard Chatfield, D.C. does a consultation and examination, takes x-rays in the office if your condition calls for them, and most patients get their first treatment the same day. We provide M.D. and attorney referrals, accept most insurance and do all the paperwork. See our car accident care page for what to expect, or personal and work injury care if a car was not involved.

We are at 2803 Central Dr in Bedford, by appointment. Call (817) 283-6100 or request an appointment.

This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. For legal questions, talk to an attorney. In an emergency, call 911.