A car accident is one of the most stressful experiences any driver will face. In El Paso, where I-10, Loop 375, and a steady mix of border, commuter, and freight traffic share the road, crashes happen every day. What you do in the first few minutes — and the first few days — has a direct impact on whether your insurance claim is smooth, slow, or denied outright.
At the scene: the first 10 minutes
- Move to safety. If the cars are drivable and nobody is seriously hurt, pull onto the shoulder or into a parking lot. Texas law allows — and encourages — moving vehicles out of moving traffic after a minor crash.
- Turn on hazards and set up flares or triangles if you have them. I-10 traffic does not slow down for stopped vehicles.
- Call 911. Always. Even for minor crashes, an EPPD or DPS report is the single most powerful piece of evidence in a Texas insurance claim.
- Check for injuries — yours, your passengers', the other driver's. Don't move anyone who is seriously hurt.
- Do not admit fault. Not to the other driver, not to bystanders, not to the responding officer. Stick to facts.
Information to exchange
- Full name and current address of every driver
- Driver license number and state
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, color, and license plate
- Names and phone numbers of every passenger and witness
Photos and documentation
Photograph everything before the cars move: license plates, damage on both vehicles, the position of vehicles in the lane, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Take wide shots and close-ups. These photos win disputed-fault claims more often than any other piece of evidence.
File the crash report
In Texas, any crash that causes injury, death, or more than $1,000 in damage must be reported to law enforcement. The responding officer files a CR-3 report. If no officer responded, you must file a Driver's Crash Report (CR-2) within 10 days. A copy can be requested through TxDOT's CRIS portal.
Contact your insurer — even if you weren't at fault
Texas is an at-fault state, but you should always report a crash to your own carrier promptly. Most policies require notice 'as soon as practicable.' Your insurer can pursue subrogation against the other driver and front the cost of repairs and a rental car while liability is sorted out.
Get medical attention — even for minor pain
Soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and back strains often surface 24–72 hours after a crash. A documented medical visit within a few days is critical for any future PIP, MedPay, or bodily injury claim.
Common mistakes that hurt El Paso claims
- Accepting cash from the other driver to skip insurance — they almost always disappear, and your damage exceeds the cash
- Signing a release from the other driver's insurer before talking to your own agent
- Posting accident photos or commentary on social media before the claim closes
- Letting the other driver's insurer record a statement without your agent's guidance
- Skipping the police report on a 'minor' crash that turns out to be a $4,000 bumper repair
How an independent agent helps
We walk our clients through every step — from the police report number to the final repair payment. If you're our client, your first call after 911 should be to us. We handle the adjuster, the body shop, and the rental, so you can focus on getting back on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police for every accident in El Paso?
If anyone is hurt or there's more than $1,000 in apparent damage, Texas law requires a report. In practice, always call — the police report is the single most useful claim document you can have.
Should I report a minor accident to my insurance company?
Yes. Most Texas policies require prompt notice of any accident, even if you don't plan to file a claim. Failing to report can void coverage if the other driver files later.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
File a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. About 14% of Texas drivers are uninsured, which is why UM/UIM is so important here.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
Notice to your insurer should be immediate. The statute of limitations for property damage and bodily injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.
Will my rates go up if I'm not at fault?
By Texas law, your insurer cannot surcharge you for a not-at-fault accident. Rates can still rise at renewal based on overall loss patterns, but a single not-at-fault claim shouldn't move your premium.
This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. For guidance specific to your situation, talk to a licensed Texas insurance agent. Ready to put it into practice? Get a free quote or request a policy review.