Arlington Car Accident Questions, Answered
Short answer: Report injury crashes to police, get checked within days, decline the other insurer's recorded statement, and keep the Texas 2-year lawsuit deadline in mind. The rest of your questions are below, grouped by stage.
At the scene in Arlington
- Is a police report required for a small crash?
- Texas requires you to notify police right away if anyone is hurt or a car can't be driven safely (§550.026). For smaller crashes it's optional, but a report makes an injury claim far easier to prove.
- What should I collect from the other driver?
- Name, phone number, insurer and policy number, license plate and driver's license. Take a photo of their insurance card and get witnesses' numbers.
- My car still runs. Should I move it off Cooper Street or the freeway?
- If it's safe and the car drives, move out of traffic and put your hazards on. Photograph the cars' positions first if you can do so safely.
- Is it OK to apologize?
- Be kind, but don't discuss fault. In Texas, your share of fault cuts what you can recover (§33.001).
Your health
- I feel OK. Do I really need to get checked?
- Yes, within a few days. Adrenaline masks pain, and gaps in care are often used by insurers against you. Delayed symptoms.
- How long does whiplash usually last?
- Many people feel better within weeks, but a major review found about half still had neck pain a year later. Whiplash guide.
- Can I have a concussion if I didn't hit my head?
- Yes. The jolt alone can injure the brain. Headaches, fogginess and memory trouble are signs to get checked. Concussion signs.
- Who should I see if it isn't an emergency?
- A provider who regularly examines and documents crash injuries: a DC, FNP, MD or DO. Getting treatment.
- Is it normal to be scared to drive afterward?
- Very. Tell your provider so it's treated and recorded. Emotional effects.
Bills and insurance
- Whose insurance pays first?
- Usually your own PIP or MedPay, then health insurance; the at-fault driver's liability insurer pays at the end. Who pays.
- What does PIP cover?
- Medical bills and 80% of lost income, regardless of fault, unless you rejected it in writing (Ins. Code §1952.152).
- What if I have no PIP and can't pay?
- Health insurance or a lawyer's letter of protection may help. Letters of protection.
- What are the Texas minimum insurance limits?
- 30/60/25: $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per crash and $25,000 for property (§601.072).
- Should I give the other insurer a recorded statement?
- You don't have to, and it's usually wise to decline. Talking to adjusters.
- The insurer offered money fast. Should I take it?
- Not before a lawyer looks at it. Signing a release usually ends your injury claim, even if you need more treatment later.
Lawyers and deadlines
- What does a car accident lawyer cost?
- Most charge nothing upfront and take a percentage only if they recover money for you.
- What is the deadline to sue in Texas?
- Generally 2 years from the crash (CPRC §16.003).
- Is Texas a no-fault state?
- No. Texas is at-fault: the driver who caused the crash is responsible, through their insurer.
- How do I get an Arlington crash report?
- From TxDOT CRIS: $6, or $8 certified. Allow up to 10 days. Crash report guide.
Arlington questions
- Which hospital ERs are in Arlington?
- Medical City Arlington (3301 Matlock Rd) and Texas Health Arlington Memorial (800 W Randol Mill Rd). For a life-threatening injury, call 911. Arlington ERs.
- What is the most dangerous intersection in Arlington?
- Cooper Street at I-20, with 854 crashes from 2018 to 2024 in a Jim Ross Law analysis of City Safe Streets data. Cooper at Pioneer Parkway had the most deaths (6). Full Arlington list.
- Which Arlington road is deadliest?
- I-20. The same analysis counted 44 deaths on I-20 in Arlington from 2018 to 2024, more than any other corridor.
- My crash was in Grand Prairie or Dallas, not Arlington. Can I still ask for help?
- Yes. The free consultation form accepts crashes from anywhere in Texas.
Hurt in an Arlington crash?
Send a short request and a participating injury law firm will contact you for a free review. Crashes anywhere in Texas are welcome.