What to Do After a Minor Car Accident in Texas

The Short Answer…

After a minor car accident, move to safety, check for injuries, document the scene, exchange information, report the accident, notify your insurer, and consult a lawyer. It’s important to act quickly to protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.

Minor accidents may not seem serious at first glance, but hidden injuries, disputed liability, and insurance complications can escalate quickly. Whether you’re wondering if you need to report the accident or how to handle insurance, this guide breaks it all down for you.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t underestimate “minor” accidents. Even low-speed collisions can cause hidden injuries and vehicle damage that may not show up right away.
• Always prioritize safety and health. Move to a safe location, check for injuries, and call 911 if needed—some symptoms may take time to appear.
• Document everything at the scene. Photos, witness information, and location details are essential for protecting your rights and supporting a potential claim.
• Notify your insurance company. Report the accident even if you’re unsure about filing a claim. Failing to report can put your coverage at risk later.
• Legal help can make a difference. If you’re dealing with injuries, insurance disputes, or want to pursue a fair settlement, Braker White is here to help you navigate the process and fight for what you may be entitled to.

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What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?

A minor car accident typically involves low-speed impact, limited vehicle damage, and no immediately obvious injuries. Examples include rear-end collisions in traffic or accidents in parking lots.

Still, don’t let the word “minor” fool you. Soft-tissue injuries like whiplash and hidden vehicle damage are common in these types of collisions and can lead to bigger problems down the road.

1. Move to Safety and Check for Injuries

Safety comes first. If your car is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Check yourself, your passengers, and the other party for injuries.

Do you call 911 for a minor car accident?

Yes, especially if there are any injuries, traffic hazards, or disputes. A police report can also help protect your rights later.

What are common minor car accident injuries?

Minor car accident injuries often include whiplash, back and neck strain, bruising, and soft-tissue damage. While these may seem mild at first, symptoms can take hours or days to appear. It’s important to get checked by a medical professional after any accident, even if you feel fine, to rule out hidden injuries and document any potential issues for an insurance claim.

2. Document the Scene Thoroughly

Use your phone to take photos of:

• All vehicle damage (close-up and wide shots)
• The overall scene, including road signs, lights, and skid marks
• Any visible injuries
• The position of vehicles before moving (if safe)

Also, collect names and contact info of any witnesses. Note the accident location and other important details.

What happens if there’s no damage after a minor car accident?

You may still have internal vehicle damage or bodily injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Always document the accident and get a medical evaluation—both are critical for protecting your health and any potential injury claim.

3. Exchange Information

Get the other driver’s:

• Name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance provider and policy number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and color

Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or admitting fault even casually. Your words could be used against you later.

4. Call the Police and File a Report

In Texas, you’re legally required to report an accident to law enforcement if:

• There are injuries or fatalities
• There is more than $1,000 in property damage
• The accident blocks traffic or public roadways

The responding officer will file a crash report, which serves as an official record and can serve as evidence in insurance claims.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if you don’t intend to file a claim right away, you should still notify your insurance provider after a minor accident. Most policies require timely reporting of any incident, even if it seems insignificant. Failing to do so could lead to denied coverage later, especially if injuries or vehicle damage appear after the fact.

Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident?

Yes. It’s a good idea to call your insurer after any car accident, no matter how minor. Reporting the accident protects you in case the other driver files a claim or if hidden damage or delayed injuries arise. Most insurance policies require prompt notice, and failing to report it could jeopardize your coverage.

Should I file a claim for a minor accident?

It depends. If the damage is minimal and below your deductible, you may choose to pay out-of-pocket. But always inform your insurer, just in case.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even in a minor car accident, it’s common for injuries to be delayed or go unnoticed at first. Soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash, strains, and concussions, often don’t show symptoms for hours or even days. You might feel fine immediately after the crash but experience pain or discomfort later on.

Getting evaluated by a medical professional right away helps ensure your well-being and creates a documented medical record. This documentation can be crucial if you later decide to pursue a car accident settlement. Without it, insurers may claim that your injuries were unrelated to the accident or not serious. It’s always better to be safe and have an exam than to dismiss symptoms that could worsen over time.

7. Consider Legal Help

You might be wondering, should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident? In many cases, the answer is yes.

Even what seems like a simple fender bender can turn into a headache if the other driver disputes fault, your injuries worsen over time, or your insurance company denies or undervalues your claim. A minor car accident lawyer can help you navigate these issues and protect your rights.

At Braker White, we regularly assist clients in Odessa, Midland, and across West Texas who:

• Are facing denied or delayed insurance claims
• Discover hidden damage or delayed injuries after the accident
• Need help proving fault in a disputed case
• Want to maximize their minor car accident settlement

Insurance companies often downplay injuries and pressure you to settle fast. An experienced attorney can help ensure you’re not taken advantage of and that you receive fair compensation.

Is it worth getting a lawyer for a minor car accident?

If you’re dealing with injuries, missed work, or any kind of insurance dispute, it absolutely is. Consulting with a minor car accident attorney from Braker White is free, so there’s no risk in having us review your case. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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Minor Car Accident Settlement Amounts

If you’re considering filing a claim, you might be wondering about minor car accident settlement amounts. The truth is, settlements can vary widely based on several factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of medical treatment and vehicle repairs
• Lost wages due to missed work
• Pain and suffering or emotional distress
• Whether fault is clearly established or disputed

Even in minor accidents, settlement negotiations can be complex. Insurance companies may offer a low initial payout or try to downplay the impact of your injuries. Having a minor car accident attorney in your corner can help ensure your settlement truly reflects your losses.

What is the average settlement for a minor car accident?

There’s no fixed number, but generally speaking, the average settlement for a minor car accident is determined by the total financial and physical impact of the crash. For example, if your injuries required only a few doctor visits and your vehicle damage was minimal, the settlement will likely be on the lower end.

However, if you experienced more disruptive effects like persistent pain, difficulty working, or emotional stress, you could be entitled to a higher amount. Additionally, if the other driver was clearly at fault or acted negligently, that can also influence the final payout.

Working with a lawyer helps ensure all relevant damages are considered when calculating a settlement. It also signals to the insurance company that you’re serious about receiving fair compensation.

Don’t Let a “Minor” Accident Become a Major Problem—Contact Braker White

A low-speed crash might seem like no big deal, but even minor car accidents can cause lasting pain, unexpected expenses, and frustrating insurance disputes. If you’re unsure what to do after a minor car accident, don’t try to navigate it alone. At Braker White, we’ve helped countless Texans deal with the hidden challenges that follow even the smallest collisions. We know how to handle tight-fisted insurers, disputed liability, and injuries that don’t show up until days later.

Our experienced car accident lawyers will fight to protect your rights and help make sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s mistake. We offer free consultations, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Contact Braker White today and get the clarity, confidence, and representation you deserve.