Why This Matters
What You Do In The First Hour Often Decides The Whole Claim
DG Collision Center has been in Lewisville since 1978. In that time we've handled tens of thousands of post-accident claims — from five-minute fender-benders to full-frame rebuilds — for every major insurance carrier in Texas. And the single biggest lesson, across 45+ years, is that what drivers do in the first hour after a crash matters more than anything that happens afterward.
A skipped photo. A forgotten witness name. An offhand "I'm sorry" at the scene. A tow truck that delivers your car to a shop you didn't pick. Any one of these can quietly turn a clean claim into a months-long dispute — or cost you thousands in diminished value, unpaid rental days, or a low total-loss settlement.
This page is the Texas-specific playbook we wish every customer had before they called us. Seven steps for the scene, a photo checklist, what Texas law actually says about your right to choose a shop, the claim timeline you can expect, and the mistakes we see drivers make most often. It is not legal advice — if you are injured or the stakes are high, consult a Texas personal-injury attorney. But it is a practical, field-tested guide from the shop that handles the other end of the claim.
Bookmark this page. If you ever need it, you'll want it fast.
Whether you landed here after searching "what to do after a car accident Texas", "Texas CR-3 crash report", "do I have to use my insurance preferred shop", "after accident checklist Lewisville", or "car accident lawyer near me", the same seven-step playbook applies. Once you've worked through it, our collision repair, ADAS calibration, frame straightening, paint & refinishing, and Tesla body shop services handle the repair end of it — direct with your insurance, OEM procedures, lifetime warranty. Send us your vehicle's year, make, and what happened and we'll call you back as fast as possible.
The Playbook
THE 7 STEPS — IN ORDER
From the moment of impact through opening your claim. Work the list top to bottom. Every step protects the next one.
Check For Injuries & Call 911
Your first job is making sure everyone — you, your passengers, the other driver, pedestrians — is safe. If anyone is injured, unconscious, bleeding, or complaining of pain, call 911 immediately. Texas law requires reporting any accident involving injury, death, or apparent damage over $1,000. Don't move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger like a vehicle fire. Stay on the line with the dispatcher.
Move To Safety (If Drivable)
If no one is injured and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder, a nearby parking lot, or clear of traffic. Turn on your hazards. Every year in Texas, dozens of secondary accidents happen because vehicles stay in active lanes after a minor crash. If a vehicle won't move or moving it is unsafe, stay put with hazards on and wait for police.
Document Everything Before It Changes
Photos of every angle of every vehicle, the road layout, traffic signs, skid marks, debris, weather, license plates, the other driver's insurance card and driver's license. Witness names and phone numbers — witnesses vanish fast once police arrive. Screenshot your Google Maps location. You cannot over-document. See our full photo checklist below.
Exchange Info — But Don't Admit Fault
Exchange driver's license, insurance carrier + policy number, license plate, phone number, and vehicle details. Be polite but say nothing about who caused the crash. In Texas, statements like "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" can be treated as admissions under rules of evidence — even if the crash wasn't your fault. Fault is determined by the police report, adjusters, and if necessary the courts. Not by you at the scene.
Wait For Police & Get The CR-3 Crash Report
The official Texas crash report is the CR-3 (formerly ST-3). Even for minor crashes, request a responding officer — the CR-3 is the single most important document for your insurance claim. Without it the other driver can change their story later. You will not receive the CR-3 at the scene. It's available through TxDOT's crash-record service or the responding agency in 7–10 business days.
Don't Let The Tow Truck Choose Your Shop
Tow drivers at accident scenes are often paid on commission by specific shops. They will try to steer you toward their preferred body shop. Under Texas Transportation Code §1952.301, you — not the tow company, not your insurance — have the right to choose any licensed repair facility. Tell the driver exactly where you want the vehicle delivered. If you're unsure, have it towed home or to a public storage lot and decide later. Never default.
Open Your Claim & Name Your Shop
Call your insurer within 24–48 hours to open a claim. When the adjuster asks where your vehicle is being repaired, state the exact name and address of your chosen shop. That one sentence locks in your §1952.301 right — your insurer cannot require a network shop in Texas. From there your shop handles supplements, parts negotiations, and OEM-procedure documentation directly with the adjuster. You don't chase calls.
Texas Law Essentials
THREE TEXAS LAWS EVERY DRIVER SHOULD KNOW
Under Texas Transportation Code §1952.301, you have the legal right to choose any licensed body shop in Texas — your insurance carrier cannot require you to use one of theirs. This is the statute that quietly shapes how your accident plays out.
§1952.301 — Your Right To Choose Your Shop
Texas Transportation Code §1952.301 prohibits insurers from requiring you to use a specific repair facility. You have the legal right to choose any licensed body shop in Texas. Carriers steer to their DRP (Direct Repair Program) network because those shops agree to the carrier's rates — which often trades quality for cost. Naming your own shop at claim open protects the work done on your vehicle. Read §1952.301 →
The 51% Fault Rule
Texas uses modified comparative negligence — codified at Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001. If you're 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages — reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're 51%+ at fault, you recover nothing. That's why not admitting fault at the scene matters — a shift from 49% to 51% kills the entire claim.
Two-Year Statute Of Limitations
In Texas, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. Miss the deadline and your right to sue is generally lost forever. Don't stall on opening a claim just because you're negotiating informally with the other driver — if talks break down after the limitations period, you have no recourse. Open the claim, preserve your options.
Photo Documentation
THE 30-SHOT PHOTO CHECKLIST
Take at least 30 photos at the scene. We've seen thousands of claims — these are the shots that decide disputed cases. Scene photos also form the baseline for later supplements when frame damage or other hidden damage surfaces at teardown.
All Vehicles From Every Angle
Front, rear, both sides, 3/4 views. Do the same for the other driver's vehicle. Wide shots show scene context; close-ups show specific damage.
Close-Ups Of Every Piece Of Damage
Each dent, scratch, broken trim piece, shattered glass area. Hidden damage often appears only at teardown — your scene photos are the baseline for later supplements.
License Plates — Both Vehicles
Yours and theirs. Insurance carriers cross-reference against the CR-3. A missing plate shot has killed more claims than any other single omission.
Other Driver's Insurance Card & License
Clear, in-focus shots of both sides of the insurance card. Driver's license front for identity verification. Don't just write down the info — photograph it.
VIN Through The Windshield
17-character VIN visible on the dashboard corner through the windshield. Cross-verified against insurance and used for part orders.
Skid Marks & Debris Field
Critical for reconstructing the collision. Skid-mark length ties to speed; debris location ties to point of impact. Both fade or get cleared fast.
Road Layout, Signs & Signals
Stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, speed limits, lane markings. Wide shots that capture the intersection or roadway layout at a glance. Signal state (red/green) if visible.
Tire Condition On Both Vehicles
Deflated, shredded, or normal? Tire evidence connects to pre-crash speed, loss of control, and whether either vehicle was mechanically sound.
Weather & Lighting Conditions
Rain, wet pavement, fog, snow, sun glare, darkness. Weather is often raised as a contributing factor — your photo establishes what it actually was.
GPS Location Screenshot
Screenshot your Google/Apple Maps pin at the scene. Exact coordinates prove location if it's ever disputed and creates a time-stamped record tied to your device.
Time Stamp On Every Photo
Most phones auto-embed timestamps. Confirm date/time is correct in your settings. If timestamp is off, write the time on a piece of paper and include it in one of the shots.
Witness Names & Phone Numbers
Ask anyone who saw the crash for name and phone. A 60-second slow-pan video of the scene can also capture an independent recording of a witness account if they consent.
ALREADY HAVE PHOTOS? SEND THEM TO US
Text photos to (817) 907-2822. We'll send back a written estimate the same business day — so you have it before the adjuster inspects.
What To Expect
YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM TIMELINE
From the moment you open the claim to the moment the check clears. Typical timing — your mileage may vary by carrier.
Day 0–1: Claim Open
You call your insurer. They assign a claim number and an adjuster. Expect a 15–30 minute recorded statement covering what happened — stick to facts, don't speculate about fault. The carrier may offer same-day rental (if you have rental reimbursement) or defer until fault is clearer. The Texas Department of Insurance auto-claim guide lays out the statutory timeline your carrier must follow.
Day 1–5: Initial Estimate
The adjuster inspects your vehicle or receives photos. A written estimate is generated — often lower than the true repair cost because it's based only on visible damage. At this stage your shop writes its own line-item estimate, citing OEM procedures. Any gaps become the first supplement.
Day 5–10: CR-3 Arrives, Fault Assigned
The police crash report is released through TxDOT or the responding agency. Adjusters from both carriers review it. If fault is clear, liability is accepted. If not, expect back-and-forth between carriers and possibly a recorded statement from each driver.
Day 7–14: Teardown & Supplements
Your shop begins teardown — the only reliable way to find hidden damage. Frame bends, pinched wiring, internal bumper beam damage, ADAS sensor displacement — these are invisible until removed. Each piece of newly discovered damage becomes a supplement submitted to the adjuster for approval before repair.
Day 10–25: Repair & ADAS Calibration
Once all supplements are approved, parts are ordered and repair begins. Timeline varies with parts availability and damage severity — light cosmetic 3–5 days, bumper & panel 7–10 days, structural 2–4 weeks. ADAS calibration happens after bodywork, before delivery.
Day 15–30: Delivery & Payment
Final post-repair scan confirms ADAS is calibrated. You inspect and sign. The insurer pays the shop directly for the carrier-approved portion; you pay your deductible (minus any deductible assistance). Keep every document — repair order, OEM parts receipts, scan reports — for resale and diminished-value claims.
Don't Do This
EIGHT COMMON MISTAKES THAT KILL CLAIMS
We see these every week. Each one costs someone real money. Don't be someone.
Admitting Fault At The Scene
Even "I'm sorry" can be construed as an admission under Texas rules of evidence. Be courteous, exchange info, answer police questions honestly — but do not discuss causation or apologize for the collision itself. Save it for the adjusters.
Skipping The Police Report
Even on a minor crash, get a CR-3. Without it, the other driver can rewrite the story to their adjuster, and you'll spend weeks trying to prove what happened. The CR-3 is free and worth hours of headache.
Letting The Tow Driver Pick Your Shop
Commissioned tow operators steer to kickback shops. Those shops are often set up to repair fast-and-cheap for the commission pipeline — not to OEM procedure. State your shop choice out loud, in writing if possible.
Giving A Recorded Statement To The Other Insurer
Your own insurer needs your statement. The other driver's insurer is not your friend — anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Politely decline; say you'll communicate through their insured's claim adjuster or an attorney.
Accepting The First Settlement Offer
Initial offers are almost always low — they're based on visible damage only, don't include hidden damage, often exclude ADAS calibration, and don't account for diminished value. Let your shop write the repair estimate before you negotiate.
Using Aftermarket Parts Without Asking
Insurers prefer aftermarket (A/M) or LKQ (Like-Kind-Quality) parts to cut claim cost. On newer vehicles, A/M parts can affect fit, paint match, ADAS calibration, and resale value. You have the right to request OEM parts — especially on safety components.
Throwing Away Repair Documentation
Repair orders, parts receipts, OEM procedure citations, pre- and post-repair scan reports — keep all of it. You'll need them for diminished-value claims, resale, and any future warranty dispute over work done.
Skipping The ADAS Calibration
On any 2016+ vehicle, skipping ADAS calibration after collision repair leaves lane keep, automatic braking, and blind spot systems silently out of spec. They won't light up a warning light — they'll just work incorrectly at the moment you need them.
Choosing A Shop
What To Look For In A Texas Body Shop
Under §1952.301 you can pick any shop — but not every shop is equipped for modern collision repair. Three things to look for, and three questions to ask before you authorize work:
Look for: I-CAR Gold Class certification (a shop-wide credential signaling that the majority of technicians hold current training), written OEM procedure adherence, in-house ADAS calibration capability, and a published lifetime paint or refinish warranty. If a shop can't show you a recent I-CAR certificate, or refuses to scan your vehicle pre- and post-repair, move on.
Ask: "Will you follow OEM repair procedures, use OEM parts on safety components, and perform ADAS calibration in-house?" If the answers are yes, yes, and yes — in writing — you've filtered out most of the bad actors in DFW. For Teslas, aluminum-body trucks, and luxury brands, additionally ask whether they have an isolated aluminum bay (to prevent steel-dust contamination) and brand-specific training. If the shop hedges on any of these, call us — we do all of it.
DG Collision Center has been a family-owned Lewisville shop since 1978. I-CAR Gold Class. Dedicated ADAS calibration bay. Isolated aluminum repair area. Certified by PPG for refinish. Direct billing with State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Tesla Insurance, and every other major carrier. Lifetime paint warranty in writing. If you're looking for a straight answer about your accident, call (972) 219-0864 — 24/7.
READY TO START YOUR REPAIR?
Free written estimate in 15 minutes — insurance-direct billing, OEM procedures, lifetime paint warranty, ADAS calibration included on every qualifying job.
Real DFW Customers
WHAT OUR POST-ACCIDENT CUSTOMERS SAY
Got rear-ended on 35E and the tow truck tried to take my car to a shop I'd never heard of. I called DG from the scene. They dispatched their own tow, handled GEICO directly, and had my Accord back in a week — looks factory new.
State Farm told me I had to use their network shop. DG showed me the Texas §1952.301 paperwork, called my adjuster themselves, and that was the end of it. Got way better quality than I would have at the DRP shop.
Didn't know what to do after my accident. Called DG — they walked me through what to photograph, what not to say to the other driver, and where to get my CR-3 report. Saved me from a dispute with the other insurance.
The other driver's insurance was lowballing me. DG wrote a detailed supplement citing OEM procedures and got the whole repair covered — including ADAS calibration the other shop skipped. Huge difference.
My F-150 was declared a total loss by Progressive at a number that felt low. DG gave me a written second opinion with comparable listings — I used it to push the valuation up $3,200. Took a phone call.
My Model Y got side-swiped at a light. DG handled Tesla Insurance direct, did the aluminum work in-house, recalibrated Autopilot, and returned the car in 12 days with every document I needed. Couldn't ask for better.
Got rear-ended on 35E and the tow truck tried to take my car to a shop I'd never heard of. I called DG from the scene. They dispatched their own tow, handled GEICO directly, and had my Accord back in a week — looks factory new.
State Farm told me I had to use their network shop. DG showed me the Texas §1952.301 paperwork, called my adjuster themselves, and that was the end of it. Got way better quality than I would have at the DRP shop.
Didn't know what to do after my accident. Called DG — they walked me through what to photograph, what not to say to the other driver, and where to get my CR-3 report. Saved me from a dispute with the other insurance.
The other driver's insurance was lowballing me. DG wrote a detailed supplement citing OEM procedures and got the whole repair covered — including ADAS calibration the other shop skipped.
My F-150 was declared a total loss at a number that felt low. DG gave me a written second opinion with comparable listings — I used it to push the valuation up $3,200. Took a phone call.
My Model Y got side-swiped at a light. DG handled Tesla Insurance direct, did the aluminum work in-house, recalibrated Autopilot, and returned the car in 12 days with every document I needed.
Texas Accident Questions
AFTER-ACCIDENT FAQ
Texas Accident Terms
AFTER-ACCIDENT GLOSSARY
Every term you'll hear from the police, your adjuster, and the other driver's insurance.
- CR-3 Texas Crash Report
- The official Texas police crash report (formerly ST-3). Completed by the responding officer, filed with TxDOT, available 7–10 business days after the crash. Required by virtually every insurance adjuster before finalizing a claim.
- §1952.301 Texas Statute
- Texas Transportation Code §1952.301 — the law that protects your right to choose any licensed repair facility after an accident. Your insurance carrier cannot require you to use a specific shop.
- Proportionate Responsibility 51% Rule
- Texas's modified comparative negligence standard (Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001). Recover damages if you're 50% or less at fault — recover nothing if you're 51%+ at fault. Damages are reduced by your fault percentage.
- DRP Direct Repair Program
- An insurance carrier's preferred-shop network. DRP shops agree to the carrier's pricing and procedures in exchange for steered work. You are never required to use a DRP shop in Texas.
- Actual Cash Value ACV
- The pre-loss market value your insurer pays you if your vehicle is declared a total loss. Year, make, model, trim, mileage, and condition determine it. Disputable with comparable listings or an independent appraisal.
- Total Loss Formula Texas method
- The math insurers use to declare a total loss: if repair cost + salvage value ≥ pre-loss value, the vehicle is totaled. You can push back with a shop's second-opinion estimate.
- Diminished Value DV
- The loss in resale value a vehicle suffers after a repaired collision. Typically recoverable from the at-fault driver's insurance (third-party claim), rarely from your own. Higher on newer and luxury vehicles.
- PIP Personal Injury Protection
- Coverage on your policy that pays your own medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. Texas requires insurers to offer it; you may decline in writing. Keep it if you can — it's cheap and fills critical gaps.
- UM / UIM Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
- UM pays your damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance. UIM covers the gap when their limits are too low. About 20% of Texas drivers are uninsured — both are practical necessities.
- Subrogation claim recovery
- When your insurer pays your damages and then pursues the at-fault driver's insurance to recover what it paid. If successful, you may get your deductible refunded.
Start Your Claim
TALK TO A REAL HUMAN
Just had an accident? Tell us what happened and we'll call you back as fast as possible — free, no obligation, Texas-specific advice from a shop that handles these claims every day.
At the scene right now? Call 24/7 — (972) 219-0864 · or text us