Injured in a car accident in McAllen? Here is what to do right now.
Car accidents happen every day across McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and the rest of Hidalgo County. If you were just in one, the decisions you make in the next few hours are critical to your health and your legal rights. This guide tells you exactly what to do.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the shoulder or a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Do not leave the scene of the accident — leaving is illegal in Texas even if the damage seems minor.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. A police report is essential documentation for any insurance claim or lawsuit in Texas.
Step 2: Do Not Admit Fault
This is one of the most important rules after any car accident. Do not apologize, say “I did not see you,” or make any statement that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Texas follows modified comparative fault rules — anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Use your phone to document everything:
- Photos and video of all vehicles from multiple angles
- Close-up photos of all damage
- Photos of the road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and intersection layout
- Photos of any visible injuries
- Screenshots of the weather and time
Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate. Get names and contact info from any witnesses.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor the same day. Whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal bleeding often show no symptoms immediately after a crash. Adrenaline masks pain. A gap in medical treatment is one of the main arguments insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims in McAllen and throughout Texas.
Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care doctor. Tell them you were in a car accident and describe every symptom, even minor ones.
Step 5: Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer
The other driver’s insurance company will call you quickly — often within hours. Their job is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. Simply say: “I am not prepared to discuss this matter. My attorney will be in contact.”
Step 6: Call the Law Office of Chris Sanchez
The sooner you call, the better. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets deleted. Chris Sanchez — the top-rated personal injury lawyer in McAllen and the Lower Rio Grande Valley — offers a free, no-obligation case evaluation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call or text now: (956) 616-2020
The Law Office of Chris Sanchez works on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions After a Car Accident in McAllen
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation permanently. Do not wait.
What if the other driver does not have insurance in Texas?
Texas has a high rate of uninsured drivers. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may be able to file a claim under your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Chris Sanchez handles uninsured motorist cases throughout Hidalgo County and the Lower Valley.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Texas modified comparative fault rules, you can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney helps minimize your assigned fault percentage.
How much is my car accident case worth in McAllen?
Every case is different. Compensation depends on medical bills, future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Cases handled by Chris Sanchez have recovered from tens of thousands to millions of dollars for accident victims in the Rio Grande Valley.