What to Do After a Car Accident in Frisco, Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Frisco is one of the fastest-growing cities in North Texas. With that growth comes increased traffic on major thoroughfares like the Dallas North Tollway, Preston Road, and Eldorado Parkway. While nobody expects to be in a collision, knowing the specific local procedures in Frisco can make a significant difference in your physical recovery and your eventual legal claim.

If you have just been in an accident, follow these steps to protect your health and your rights under Texas law.

1. Prioritize Safety and Check for Injuries

Immediately after the impact, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt or unresponsive, call 911 immediately.

• Move to Safety: If the vehicles are drivable and there are no serious injuries, the Texas Transportation Code requires you to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic to a safe location, such as a shoulder or nearby parking lot.
• Stay at the Scene: Never leave the scene of an accident involving injury or significant property damage. In Texas, “hit and run” is a serious criminal offense.

2. Contact the Frisco Police Department

Even for a seemingly minor “fender bender,” having an official Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report is vital for insurance and legal purposes.

• Emergency: Call 911 for injuries or if the road is blocked.
• Non-Emergency: If there are no injuries and vehicles can be moved, contact the Frisco Police non-emergency line at 972-292-6010.
• Note the Officer’s Info: Write down the name and badge number of the responding officer and ask for the incident report number.

3. Seek Medical Attention in Frisco

Adrenaline often masks pain immediately after a crash. Internal injuries, concussions, and soft-tissue damage (like whiplash) may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Establishing a medical record immediately links your injuries to the accident, which is crucial for your claim.

For 24-hour emergency care in the Frisco area, you can visit:

• Medical City Frisco: Located at 5500 Frisco Square Blvd.
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco: Located at 5601 Warren Pkwy.
• Texas Health Frisco: Located at 12400 Dallas Pkwy.

4. Gather Evidence at the Scene

While waiting for the police, use your phone to document as much as possible. Comprehensive evidence is one of the most powerful tools for your personal injury claim.

• Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s full name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance policy information.
• Take Photos: Capture the damage to all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals (like a stop sign hidden by a tree).
• Identify Witnesses: If bystanders stopped to help, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their unbiased accounts can be critical if the other driver disputes what happened.

5. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies

You are contractually obligated to notify your own insurance company “promptly” after an accident. However, you should be extremely careful when speaking to the other driver’s insurance adjuster.

• Stick to the Facts: Provide basic information but avoid giving a recorded statement or admitting fault (even saying “I’m sorry”) until you have consulted with an attorney.
• The 51% Bar Rule: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

6. Know Your Deadlines

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. While two years sounds like a long time, evidence disappears and witnesses forget details quickly. Starting the legal process early ensures your rights are fully protected.

7. Consult a Frisco Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident while trying to heal can be overwhelming. A local attorney who understands how to deal with insurance companies can handle the heavy lifting for you. Contact Benham Injury Law today for a free consultation to discuss your options.