Getting into a car accident is one of the most stressful things that can happen to you. Your heart is racing, you're not sure what just happened, and you don't know what to do next. We've helped hundreds of drivers across Collin County get through this — and the steps you take in the first few minutes and hours make a huge difference in your safety, your insurance claim, and the quality of your repair.
Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
▶ Watch — Rusty walks you through it
Video coming soon — Rusty explains what to do after an accident in plain English
Step by Step — Right After the Accident
Step 01
Stop and Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Never leave the scene of an accident in Texas — it's a criminal offense. Turn on your hazard lights immediately, check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and if it's safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic.
Step 02
Call 911 If Anyone Is Injured
If anyone is hurt — even minor injuries — call 911 immediately. Texas law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. A police report also protects you if the other driver changes their story later.
Step 03
Document Everything With Your Phone
Take photos of all vehicles involved, the damage, license plates, the road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. The more photos the better — you can never have too many. Also take a video walking around both vehicles.
Step 04
Exchange Information
Get the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and license plate. Also get the names and contact info of any witnesses. Don't admit fault or apologize — even a simple "I'm sorry" can be used against you.
Step 05
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to report the accident — but keep it factual. Describe what happened without speculating about fault. Don't give a recorded statement without understanding your rights first.
Step 06
Choose Your Own Body Shop
This is the step most people get wrong. Your insurance company will try to send you to one of their "preferred" shops. In Texas, you have the legal right to choose any licensed body shop you want — and it matters more than you might think.
Why Choosing the Right Shop Matters
Insurance companies have preferred shops — called Direct Repair Program or DRP shops — that agree to keep repair costs down in exchange for referrals. The problem is that keeping costs down often means using cheaper aftermarket parts instead of factory parts, skipping manufacturer-required repair procedures, and bypassing post-repair safety inspections that most manufacturers require.
⚠️ Important: A car that looks repaired on the outside may not be safe on the inside. Skipped safety inspections can mean airbags that won't deploy correctly, sensors that don't work, and structural integrity that's been compromised — things you won't discover until your next accident.
At Rusty's Bodywerks in Farmersville, we follow every manufacturer repair procedure, use factory-approved parts, and complete all required post-repair safety inspections. We work with all insurance companies every day — but we answer to you, not them. If an insurer pushes for a shortcut that affects your safety, we push back.
Know Your Rights in Texas
- You choose your shop. Your insurance company cannot legally force you to use their preferred shop in Texas.
- You can get a second opinion. If you're not satisfied with an estimate, you can get another one.
- You're entitled to OEM parts. Depending on your policy, you may be entitled to original manufacturer parts — ask your insurer.
- You don't have to accept the first offer. If the insurance settlement doesn't cover a proper repair, you can negotiate.
Questions? Call Us First — It's Free
If you've just been in an accident and you're not sure what to do next, call us at (972) 782-8000. We'll walk you through the process, explain your rights, and give you a free damage consultation with no obligation. We've been helping Collin County drivers navigate this for years — and we're on your side.
Been in an Accident? We Can Help.
Free damage consultation — no obligation. We'll assess the damage, explain your options, and fight for the repair your vehicle deserves.
📞 Call (972) 782-8000
Book a Consultation →