What Information Should Be Exchanged After a Car Accident

The moments after a car accident can be confusing and are often filled with shock and disorientation. Knowing what to do after a car accident can reduce stress and help ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.

Texas law requires that the people involved in a car accident exchange information, including their name, vehicle registration number, and insurance information. But what you share and how you share it can have significant implications on future insurance claims and possible legal action. To ensure a successful outcome, it is important to balance fulfilling your legal duties with protecting your rights.

When a Texas car accident causes personal injuries, McKinney Vos can help. Our lawyers stand ready to provide legal advice and guidance to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses. Contact our law firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.

Exchanging Information After a Car Accident

Under Texas law, when a vehicle is involved in a collision that results in injury, death, or property damage, the driver must:

1. Provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and the name of their automobile insurance company to any person injured or the operator or occupant of another vehicle involved in the collision;
2. Show their driver’s license to any person described above; and
3. Provide anyone injured in the collision with reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements to transport that person to a doctor or medical provider.

If the other vehicle was unoccupied and the owner cannot be located after reasonable effort, you may leave this information in a conspicuous place on an unattended vehicle.

Driver’s License and Contact Information

A person’s driver’s license shows their full name, address, and driver’s license number. You can write down this information or, if it is easier, take a picture on your phone. You should also ask for their cell phone number and email address. The more information you can gather, the easier it will be to file a claim.

If someone claims they do not have a driver’s license, you can call the police to report this infraction, as driving without a license is illegal in Texas.

Vehicle Information

Exchange information about your vehicles, including the make, model, color, and year of the vehicle, as well as the vehicle’s license plate, registration, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Insurance Information

Because Texas is an at-fault state, exchanging insurance information is crucial. Without the other driver’s insurance information, it will be difficult to file a claim.

You should exchange insurance information with the other driver and anyone else involved in the crash. Include the name of the motor vehicle insurance company and the policy number. The other driver should have an insurance card, and you can take a picture of it. Because driving without insurance in Texas is illegal, an uninsured driver may encourage you to leave insurance out of it. To protect yourself, it is best to exchange insurance and contact information with other people involved in the accident.

Duty to Render Aid

If anyone was injured in the crash, other people involved have a duty to render aid. This means providing reasonable assistance to injured people, including calling an ambulance or transporting them to a hospital or doctor’s office.

Why Is It Important to Exchange Information After a Car Accident?

When a Texas car accident causes property damage or personal injuries, exchanging information will allow you to seek compensation for your losses. You will likely need to file an insurance claim. Without the other driver’s contact and insurance information, it is much more difficult to recover the compensation you deserve.

Someone who leaves the scene of an accident that causes injuries, death, or property damage without exchanging this information could be charged with hit-and-run. A conviction for hit-and-run in Texas carries expensive fines and possible jail time.

What If the Other Driver Refuses to Exchange Information?

Unfortunately, some drivers may be unwilling to share their information after a car accident. If the other driver refuses to exchange information with you, you should call Texas law enforcement immediately. Law enforcement officers can work with stubborn drivers to ensure necessary information is included on a Texas accident report.

Contact McKinney Vos Today

When a Texas car accident causes personal injuries, McKinney Vos can help. We can gather information to prove your claim and negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair resolution. If a satisfactory resolution is not forthcoming, our trial lawyers have the experience and resources to take your case to court to secure a fair resolution. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.