A step-by-step guide for Fort Worth drivers on exactly what to do in the minutes, hours, and days following a vehicle accident — from the scene to the repair shop.
Stay Calm and Ensure Safety First
The moments immediately following a car accident can be disorienting and stressful. Your first priority is always safety. If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and all passengers for injuries.
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger such as fire. Wait for emergency services to arrive.
Call the Police
In Texas, you are required to report an accident to law enforcement if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even for minor accidents, having a police report is strongly recommended — it creates an official record that is invaluable when filing an insurance claim. Fort Worth Police can be reached at (817) 392-4222 for non-emergency situations.
Document Everything at the Scene
Before vehicles are moved (if safe to do so), use your smartphone to photograph everything: the damage to all vehicles involved, the position of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These photos can be critical evidence when your insurance company evaluates your claim.
Exchange the following information with all other drivers involved: full name and contact information, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company name and policy number, and vehicle make, model, and year.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible — ideally from the scene or within a few hours of the accident. Most major insurers have 24/7 claims lines. Provide them with the police report number, photos, and the other driver's information. Be factual and accurate in your description of events.
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but insurance claims should be filed as quickly as possible to avoid complications.
Choose Your Repair Shop Wisely
Your insurance company may suggest a repair shop, but in Texas you have the legal right to choose any licensed auto body shop you prefer. You are not required to use your insurer's "preferred" shop. When choosing a shop, look for certified technicians, a written warranty on repairs, and experience working with your insurance carrier.
Firebird Collision works directly with all major insurance carriers and handles the entire claims process on your behalf. Our certified technicians restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, backed by our lifetime warranty on workmanship.
Get a Professional Estimate
Once you have filed your claim, bring your vehicle to a trusted collision repair shop for a thorough estimate. A professional estimate will document all damage — including hidden structural damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. At Firebird Collision, our estimates are free and comprehensive, and we work directly with your adjuster to ensure all damage is properly documented and covered.