What To Do in the First 10 Minutes After a Crash in DFW

Read this before you need it

Nobody thinks straight right after a crash. Here is the list, in order, short enough to remember.

Minute 1: Get safe

Hazards on. If the cars move and it is safe, get out of the lane to the shoulder or a parking lot. On I-35E, 121, or the tollways, standing in a live lane is more dangerous than the crash you just had.

If anyone is hurt, airbags went off, or fluid is leaking, leave the car where it is, get yourself somewhere safe, and wait for help.

Minute 2: Call it in

Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the cars are blocking traffic. Give the road name and the nearest cross street or exit.

If an officer comes, get the crash report number or the officer's card before you leave. If nobody comes, trade information anyway and take more photos. Your photos become the record.

Minutes 3 to 6: Take photos

More than feels necessary.

• Both cars, all four corners, from far enough back to see the whole car
• Both license plates
• The damage up close, then the same spot from ten feet back
• The other driver's insurance card and license
• The scene: lanes, signals, signs, and anything in the road

If you have a dash cam, save the clip before it records over itself.

Minute 7: Get witnesses

Witnesses leave fast. Get a name and phone number. A short voice memo of what they saw is even better.

Minute 8: Trade information and say little

Trade names, phone numbers, insurance company, policy number, and plates.

Then stop talking. Do not apologize, do not argue fault, and do not guess at speeds. Do not say you are fine. You may not know that for a few hours.

Minute 9: Open the claim

Call your insurance company, or the other driver's if fault is clear. Give the facts and the crash report number if you have one. Write down the claim number.

Then ask: who is paying, and do I owe a deductible? If the crash was not your fault and the other driver's insurance is paying, you do not.

Minute 10: Pick your shop

Somebody may suggest a shop. That is a suggestion, not a rule. Texas Insurance Code 1952.301 lets you choose where your car gets fixed.

After the ten minutes

Get checked if anything hurts. Some injuries show up the next morning.

Keep the paper. Crash report number, claim number, and the name and number of every adjuster you talk to.

Get a free estimate. Text us photos of the damage for a quick look, or stop by the shop in Lewisville. We call you back during shop hours. We work with your insurance, or you can pay yourself.