Texas Car Accident Guide

Texas Car Accident Guide

Texas sees roughly 560,000 reported car accidents each year. This guide explains what drivers in Texas should know about reporting deadlines, insurance claims, fault rules, and the situations where professional legal help tends to be worth the call.

Texas at a Glance

Fault System
Fault / Tort State
Modified 51% bar
Statute of Limitations
2 years
PI and property damage both 2 yrs
Min. Liability Coverage
30/60/25
PIP optional / not required
Crash Report Deadline
10 days
Threshold: $1,000+ damage

Why Texas Is Different

Texas has the highest accident volume in the US (~560,000/year). Uses modified 51% comparative fault — plaintiff must be 50% or less at fault to recover. Texas has relatively high minimum liability coverage (30/60/25) compared to many states. Both personal injury and property damage SOL are 2 years. PIP is offered but not required. Texas is a traditional fault/tort state.

Step-by-Step Guides for Texas

After the Accident
What to Do After a Car Accident
Step-by-step checklist for the first 24 hours and beyond.
Insurance
How to File an Insurance Claim
Navigate the Texas insurance process without losing the claim.
Decision Help
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Honest framework for deciding when an attorney is worth it.
Legal Reference
Texas Car Accident Laws
Complete overview of the rules that apply to your case.
Accident Type
Rear-End Collision
Fault rules, common defenses, and what to do.
Accident Type
T-Bone Accident
Liability questions in side-impact crashes.
Accident Type
Hit and Run
Laws, penalties, and how to recover when the other driver flees.

When Professional Help Tends to Make Sense

Most minor accidents in Texas are resolved between the drivers and their insurance companies without ever involving an attorney. Many accident victims, however, consider consulting an attorney when one or more of the following applies:

  • A fatality occurred, or a wrongful-death claim may be involved
  • Medical bills are already in the tens of thousands of dollars, or still growing
  • There is a permanent injury, visible scar, or any sign of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • The insurance company’s first settlement offer feels far below your actual costs
  • The insurance company is arguing that your injuries are pre-existing, or trying to shift primary fault onto you
  • Multiple vehicles or multiple parties are involved and liability is unclear
  • Fault is disputed — especially relevant given Texas’s 51% bar modified comparative fault rule
  • The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury (2 years from the accident) is within six months
  • A government vehicle, commercial truck, or rideshare driver is involved
  • The other driver was uninsured, underinsured, or fled the scene (hit-and-run)
Speak with a Texas Car Accident Attorney

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Recent Editorial Notes on Texas Law

  • 2024: No major structural changes to Texas comparative fault or auto insurance framework. Texas maintains its traditional fault-based system with 30/60/25 minimums.

Reviewed by TurnYourClaim Editorial Team — Last verified: 2026-03-03

Sources: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001 (Comparative Fault); Tex. Transp. Code § 601.051 (Financial Responsibility / Minimum Coverage); Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 (Statute of Limitations); TxDOT Crash Records Information System

DISCLAIMER: TurnYourClaim is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This site provides general educational information only. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. Last updated: May 2026.