State Highway 45 is one of Austin’s busiest freeway loops, as it connects commuters across north Austin and provides a major east–west route for drivers. With heavy traffic, high speeds, and frequent merging, it also means rear-end collisions are common.

If you’ve been rear-ended on SH 45, your first priority should always be safety. Here’s what to know about steps you should take if you’re in a car accident in Austin.

Step 1: Safety First

In any collision, your top priority is to prevent further harm. If your vehicle is still operable, turn on your hazards and move to the shoulder or, better yet, the nearest safe exit. If your car won’t move or it’s too dangerous, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Call the Police

Even if the damage seems minor, it’s critical to call law enforcement. A police report creates an official record of the crash, which can be vital when filing an insurance claim and/or proving fault later on. Moreover, Texas law requires that drivers report accidents that cause injuries or significant property damage.

Step 3: Document the Scene

Evidence can disappear quickly on a major highway. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the other driver, including gathering insurance details, and if possible, ask witnesses for their contact details.

Step 4: Seek Medical Care

Rear-end accidents often cause whiplash, back injuries, or concussions. Even if you don’t feel symptoms right away, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Medical records will help protect your health and also strengthen a claim if you need to make one. People often don’t realize that they may feel fine at first, but pain, stiffness, or headaches can appear hours or days later.

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

Your or your attorney should let your insurance company know about the accident, but stick to the facts when relaying the details of what happened. Be aware that they may try to minimize your injuries or pressure you into a quick or low settlement. Don’t get taken advantage of. Let your attorney advocate on your behalf.

Step 6: Contact an Austin Car Accident Lawyer

Rear-end collisions are rarely as simple as they seem. Insurance companies often dispute injuries or downplay the long-term effects of the crash. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

• Help prove fault and liability (even if it seems obvious)
• Calculate the full value of your claim
• Handle negotiations with insurers
• Fight for fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more

Contact Us at McKinney Vos PLLC After a Rear-End Accident on 45

A rear-end crash on 45 can leave you dealing with painful injuries, car repairs, and insurance headaches—all at once. You don’t have to navigate it on your own. At McKinney Vos, our attorneys handle the details so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn about your options and protect your right to full compensation. Our team works on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.

Photo Credits: Lars Plougmann