2025 Texas Car Accident Guide

Dealing with the aftermath of a crash is stressful—and when you’re facing medical bills, insurance adjusters, and legal paperwork, it can be downright overwhelming. Understanding the law of car accident cases in Texas is more than helpful—it’s essential. In 2025, rising traffic congestion and more aggressive insurance tactics mean Texas drivers must stay informed about their rights and responsibilities. That’s why we created this guide: to deliver the legal insights you need without the legalese. We’ll walk you through fault laws, what to do at the scene, and how to handle insurance claims with confidence. Whether you’re a longtime Houston resident or new to the roadways of Texas, this resource is designed for real drivers with real questions. And if you ever find yourself needing experienced representation from a car accident lawyer in Houston, know that Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP is here to stand beside you and fight for the justice you deserve.

At-Fault System

Texas follows an “at-fault” system when determining financial responsibility after a motor vehicle collision. That means the person who causes the accident is liable for damages.

Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering compensation. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault reduces the total amount.

For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but were found 30% responsible, you’d recover $70,000. This system underscores the importance of building a strong case and gathering evidence to show your minimal role in the crash.

Duty to Stop and Render Aid

Texas law imposes a legal duty on drivers involved in accidents to stop and provide aid if injury or death occurs. This obligation is outlined in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 550.023.

According to Texas Statutes, drivers must:

• Immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible.
• Provide reasonable assistance, which may include transporting the injured or calling for emergency services.
• Exchange personal and vehicle information with other parties involved.

Failing to stop and render aid is a felony offense in Texas and may result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Reporting Requirements

After a car accident in Texas, reporting requirements are more than a formality—they’re a critical legal step. If a collision results in injury, loss of life, or over $1,000 in property damage, the law requires you to notify the police immediately. This ensures an official report is created, which protects your legal and financial interests.

In situations where law enforcement is unable to respond to the scene, drivers must take the initiative to complete and submit the CR-2 Blue Form to the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days. While the law gives you a 10-day window, filing promptly is highly recommended to ensure the facts are fresh and accurate.

These reports serve as key evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings. They help clarify the sequence of events and can significantly affect disputes regarding fault or compensation.

Liability Insurance

Texas law mandates all drivers carry minimum auto liability insurance. As of 2025, the required policy minimums remain:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for total bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

This basic “30/60/25” coverage ensures that drivers have financial protection in place to pay for damages if they are responsible for an accident.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, liability insurance only pays for damages to others, not to the insured driver or their vehicle. Additional coverage, such as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, is optional but highly recommended.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Accidents can occur in countless ways, but several patterns are more prevalent on Houston roads:

• Rear-end collisions – These accidents typically happen when a driver is distracted, following too closely, or failing to brake in time, especially during sudden traffic stops.
• Intersection crashes – Often caused by drivers running red lights or failing to yield the right of way, especially at busy urban crossroads and highway exits.
• Sideswipes – Frequently occur when drivers fail to check blind spots or improperly change lanes without signaling, resulting in scraping along the sides of vehicles.
• T-bone accidents – Common in intersections, these collisions occur when one vehicle runs a stop sign or signal and crashes into the side of another car.
• Multi-vehicle pileups – Typically take place on high-speed highways or during severe weather, involving chain-reaction impacts between several vehicles in dense traffic.

Recognizing these types helps highlight risks and can be critical when describing your incident to insurance or legal professionals.

What to do right after a car accident

The steps you take immediately after a collision can significantly impact your safety and your legal case. Here’s what we advise:

• Move to a safe area, if possible.
• Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical assistance.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s): name, contact info, insurance, and license plate numbers.
• Document the scene with photos and notes.
• Identify witnesses, if any, and get their contact details.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine—some injuries take time to appear.
• Notify your insurer, but avoid detailed statements until you consult a lawyer.

These actions help ensure your health is protected and that you create a solid record for your case.

Contacting Armstrong Lee & Baker

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we’ve helped clients across Houston and Texas recover from serious car accidents with strength, strategy, and compassion. Our team of experienced litigators understands the law of car accident claims and fights hard to ensure your rights are protected. From dealing with complex insurance negotiations to representing you in court, we guide you through every step. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a crash, don’t face the legal system alone. Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP is here to support your recovery and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us now at 832-402-6637 for a free consultation with our trusted Houston personal injury attorneys.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Get in touch with C.J. Baker now.