What should I do after a car accident in Texas?

Texas operates as an at-fault (tort) state under the Texas Transportation Code and the Civil Practice & Remedies Code.

1. Immediate Steps at the Scene

Stop and render aid (Tex. Transp. Code §§ 550.021-550.023). Failure to stop and render aid in an injury crash is a felony.

Move vehicles out of traffic if drivable and there are no injuries (§ 550.022).

Exchange names, addresses, license info, and insurance.

Photograph everything and collect witness contacts.

2. Mandatory Reporting

Police: Required for injury, death, or apparent damage that prevents normal driving.

Form CR-2 ("Blue Form"): If law enforcement did NOT investigate AND damage exceeds $1,000, the driver had to file Form CR-2 with TxDOT within 10 days. (Note: the state requirement was repealed in 2017 but many insurers still require submission to your carrier.)

Insurer: Notify per your policy.

3. Minimum Liability Insurance

30/60/25 ($30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage) under Tex. Transp. Code § 601.072.

4. Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar

Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001, you are barred from recovery if your percentage of responsibility is greater than 50%. At 50% or less, your damages are reduced proportionally.

5. Statute of Limitations

Personal injury: 2 years (CPRC § 16.003).

Property damage: 2 years (CPRC § 16.003).

Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death (CPRC § 16.003(b)).

Claims against a governmental unit require notice within 6 months under the Texas Tort Claims Act (CPRC § 101.101).

This is legal information, not legal advice.