What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in El Paso, Texas?

If you’ve been in a car accident in El Paso, what you do in the first 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 7 days can significantly affect your health and your ability to recover compensation. Insurance companies begin evaluating your claim immediately, and small mistakes can reduce your settlement by thousands of dollars. Whether the crash happened on I-10, Loop 375, US-54, Montana Avenue, Mesa Street, or Zaragoza Road, following the right steps protects both your medical recovery and your legal rights. Below is a clear 7-step guide to follow after a car accident in El Paso.

Step 1: Call 911 Immediately

Always report the accident.

Texas law requires drivers to report crashes involving injuries or significant vehicle damage. Request:

  • Police assistance

  • Medical evaluation

An official El Paso Police Department report becomes critical evidence in your case. Insurance companies rely heavily on police documentation when determining fault.

Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment Within 24–72 Hours

Even if you feel “fine,” get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Many injuries — including whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage — do not fully present symptoms for 24 to 72 hours.

Delaying treatment can:

  • Worsen your injuries

  • Give insurance companies a reason to argue your injuries were not serious

  • Reduce your settlement value

Step 3: Document the Accident Scene

If you are physically able, collect evidence before leaving the scene.

Take photos of:

  • Vehicle damage

  • License plates

  • Road conditions

  • Traffic signals and signs

  • Visible injuries

Also collect:

  • The other driver’s insurance information

  • Contact information for witnesses

Accidents frequently occur at busy El Paso intersections and highways, and early documentation can prevent future disputes over fault.

Step 4: Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid statements like:

  • “I’m sorry.”

  • “I didn’t see you.”

  • “It was my fault.”

Fault in Texas is determined through investigation — not immediate assumptions.

Under Texas’ modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing.

Example:

If your damages total $40,000 and you are found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $32,000.

Early statements can impact how fault is assigned.

Step 5: Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies often contact victims within days of the accident.

You are not required to:

  • Provide a recorded statement immediately

  • Accept the first settlement offer

  • Sign medical authorizations without review

Initial settlement offers are often 20% to 50% lower than what a fully documented claim may be worth.

Before accepting any offer, understand your total damages, future medical needs, and how fault may affect your compensation.

Step 6: Track Your Expenses and Missed Work

Keep detailed records of:

  • Medical bills

  • Prescription costs

  • Physical therapy

  • Mileage to medical appointments

  • Days missed from work

If your medical bills exceed $3,000, you miss more than 3 days of work, or liability is disputed, speaking with a personal injury attorney may significantly improve your outcome.

Step 7: Understand the Time Limits

In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

However, waiting too long can:

  • Allow evidence to disappear

  • Cause witnesses to forget details

  • Give insurance companies leverage

Acting early strengthens your position.

When Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

You should strongly consider speaking with a personal injury attorney if:

  • You were injured

  • Fault is unclear or disputed

  • The insurance company offers a low settlement

  • The other driver is uninsured

  • You feel pressured to settle quickly

Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes.

Why Choose a Local, Spanish-Speaking El Paso Personal Injury Attorney?

After a crash in El Paso, local experience matters.

Jaime Alvarado Law has:

  • Over 25 years serving the El Paso community

  • Experience handling local accident claims

  • Full bilingual representation (Spanish and English)

  • Free consultations

  • No fee unless we win

Clear communication is essential during the legal process. Working with a bilingual attorney ensures you fully understand your rights and options.

Get a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a car accident in El Paso, you do not have to navigate the insurance process alone.

Before accepting any settlement offer, understand:

  • What your case may be worth

  • How fault affects compensation

  • What deadlines apply

  • Whether hiring a lawyer makes sense

Contact Jaime Alvarado & Associates today at 915.852.0500 for a free consultation.
No upfront fees. No obligation. Just clear answers.