DFW has some of the most accident-prone highways in the country. I-35E, I-635, and the I-30/I-35E interchange rank in the top 10 most dangerous in Texas. Source: TxDOT.
At the scene (in order):
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Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Do NOT move injured people unless there's immediate danger (fire, traffic).
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Move to safety. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, Texas Transportation Code 550.022 requires you to move them. Pull to the shoulder or nearest parking lot.
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Call the police. In Dallas, call 911 for injury accidents or 311 for property-damage-only. An officer will file a CR-3 crash report, which you need for insurance.
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Exchange information. Name, phone, insurance company, policy number, license plate. Take a photo of their driver's license and insurance card.
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Document everything.
- Photos of all vehicles from multiple angles
- Photos of the intersection/road conditions
- Photos of injuries
- Dashcam footage (preserve it immediately)
- Witness names and phone numbers
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Do NOT admit fault. Don't say "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you." Stick to facts.
After the scene:
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See a doctor within 72 hours. Even if you feel fine. Soft tissue injuries take days to manifest. The 72-hour window establishes causation for insurance.
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File a claim with THEIR insurance. You can file with yours (and should if needed), but filing with the at-fault driver's insurance protects your rates.
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Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance without consulting an attorney first.
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Texas statute of limitations: 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit (CPRC 16.003). Don't wait until the last minute.
Sources:
- Texas Transportation Code 550.021-550.026 (accident reporting requirements)
- Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code 16.003 (personal injury SOL)
- TxDOT — crash data and dangerous highway rankings
- Texas Department of Insurance — auto claim process
The first 72 hours determine the outcome of your claim. Don't skip any steps.