# What To Do After A Car Accident In Texas | DG Collision Center Lewisville > Texas car accident playbook: CR-3 police report, §1952.301 shop-choice rights, 30-shot photo checklist, insurance claim timeline, 8 common mistakes. 24/7 tow help from a Lewisville body shop. - Canonical page: https://dgcollision.com/after-an-accident-texas/ - This file: Markdown twin of the page above (clean text for AI assistants and crawlers) - Business: DG Collision Center, 693 Metro Park Cir #20, Lewisville, TX 75057 — (972) 219-0864 (text: 817-907-2822) — since 1978 - Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 10am–1pm, closed Sunday · 24/7 towing · 4.9/5 on 500+ Google reviews - Full site index for assistants: https://dgcollision.com/llms.txt - Last generated: 2026-08-14 --- # What To Do After A Car Accident In Texas A step-by-step playbook from a body shop that handles these claims every day. CR-3 police report, photo checklist, your right to choose a shop (§1952.301), insurance timeline, and the mistakes drivers make that quietly kill claims. Save this page — if you ever need it, you'll want it quickly. Call 24/7 Tow Line — (972) 219-0864 Call 24/7 Tow Line Read The Playbook Texas-specific checklist CR-3 report guide §1952.301 shop choice 24/7 tow (free to you on covered claims) · free advice TL;DR After a car accident in Texas: get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked; exchange driver, insurance, and plate information; photograph everything before the vehicles move (the 30-shot checklist below); get the police report number — and if officers won’t respond to a minor crash, file the CR-2 driver’s report with TxDOT within 10 days. Then open your claim and pick your own repair shop: Texas Insurance Code §1952.301 makes that your choice, not your insurer’s. What you do in the first hour decides most of the claim. - The 7 steps, in order: safety → 911 → information exchange → photos → police report → claim → your shop. - Photos before anything moves: the 30-shot checklist covers damage, positions, the scene, documents, and injuries. - §1952.301: the adjuster can recommend a shop — the law says the choice is yours. - Eight quiet claim-killers — from admitting fault at the scene to skipping the report — covered below. - Written from a Lewisville shop that handles these claims every day, since 1978. Just Had An Accident Right Now? Call us 24/7. We'll dispatch a tow truck, walk you through what to say to the other driver and the police, and handle the claim legwork from the scene forward. On this page Why This Matters The 7-Step Playbook Texas Law Essentials Photo Checklist Claim Timeline Common Mistakes Choosing A Shop Reviews FAQ Glossary By DG Collision Center Editorial Last updated April 17, 2026 10-minute read Texas · DFW · Lewisville 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](https://dgcollision.com/guides/diminished-value-claim-texas/), 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](https://dgcollision.com/../services/collision-repair/), [ADAS calibration](https://dgcollision.com/../services/adas-calibration/), [frame straightening](https://dgcollision.com/../services/frame-straightening/), [paint & refinishing](https://dgcollision.com/../services/paint-refinishing/), and [Tesla body shop](https://dgcollision.com/../services/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](https://dgcollision.com/guides/can-i-drive-my-car-after-an-accident/), 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](https://www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/crash-reports.html) 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. (Already sitting at a storage lot? The fee caps, release checklist, and yard-to-shop playbook are in our [tow-yard guide](https://dgcollision.com/guides/car-stuck-at-tow-yard/).) #### 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. Not sure what to do next? We'll talk you through it over the phone, no obligation. ### STILL AT THE SCENE OR JUST LEAVING? Call us while you're documenting. We'll coach you live on photos, what to say to the other driver, and arrange a tow to our Lewisville shop if needed. Call 24/7 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 →](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.1952.htm) Shop Choice Texas Law ### The 51% Fault Rule Texas uses modified comparative negligence — codified at [Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm). 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. Proportionate Responsibility CPRC §33.001 ### 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. 2 Years Civil Practice §16.003 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](https://dgcollision.com/../services/frame-straightening/) 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. Text Photos Now 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](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/auto-claim.html) 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](https://dgcollision.com/../services/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](https://dgcollision.com/services/collision-repair/#cost)). 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](https://dgcollision.com/../services/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. (For the full walkthrough of the statute, the three adjuster scripts used to steer you, and exactly what to say back, see our [insurance shop-choice guide](https://dgcollision.com/guides/insurance-recommended-body-shop/).) Three things to look for, and three questions to ask before you authorize work: Look for: [I-CAR Gold Class](https://www.i-car.com/) certification (a shop-wide credential signaling that the majority of technicians hold current training), written OEM procedure adherence, specialist-partner 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 through our calibration specialists?" 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](https://dgcollision.com/../services/adas-calibration/) bay. Isolated [aluminum repair](https://dgcollision.com/../services/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 — 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. Devin P. Lewisville, TX ★★★★★ 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. Amaya R. Flower Mound, TX ★★★★★ 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. Carlos M. Denton, TX ★★★★★ 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. Priya S. Frisco, TX ★★★★★ 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. Reggie L. The Colony, TX ★★★★★ 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. Kenji T. Plano, TX ★★★★★ 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. Devin P. Lewisville, TX ★★★★★ 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. Amaya R. Flower Mound, TX ★★★★★ 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. Carlos M. Denton, TX ★★★★★ 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. Priya S. Frisco, TX ★★★★★ 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. Reggie L. The Colony, TX ★★★★★ 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. Kenji T. Plano, TX Texas Accident Questions ## AFTER-ACCIDENT FAQ **Q: Do I have to use my insurance company's preferred body shop in Texas?** A: No. Under Texas Transportation Code §1952.301, you have the legal right to choose any licensed repair facility — your insurance carrier cannot require you to use a shop from their Direct Repair Program (DRP) network. Insurers steer customers to preferred shops because those shops have agreed to repair vehicles at the carrier's rates and procedures, which often means cost-over-quality tradeoffs. Just tell your adjuster which shop you have chosen. That one sentence locks in your legal right and the claim proceeds from there. [Read §1952.301](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.1952.htm). **Q: What is a CR-3 crash report and how do I get one?** A: The CR-3 is Texas's standard crash report — formerly called the ST-3. It is completed by the responding police officer at the scene and filed with the Texas Department of Transportation. The CR-3 documents the vehicles involved, drivers, insurance info, witness statements, the officer's assessment of contributing factors, and a diagram of the collision. You cannot get it at the scene; it is typically available 7 to 10 business days after the crash, either directly from the law enforcement agency that responded or through the [TxDOT online crash record service](https://www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/crash-reports.html). Every insurance adjuster wants the CR-3 before fully processing a claim. **Q: Am I required to file a police report after every accident in Texas?** A: Texas law requires you to report any crash that involves injury, death, or apparent damage of $1,000 or more. For practical purposes, that covers almost every real accident — any bumper replacement is well over $1,000 today. Even for clearly minor scrapes where you are uncertain, request a police response. The cost of having no official report later, if the other driver changes their story or their insurance disputes liability, is far worse than the wait time at the scene. If police will not dispatch for a minor non-injury crash, the parties may be required to file a Driver's Crash Report (CR-2) directly with TxDOT within 10 days. **Q: Should I admit fault at the scene of an accident in Texas?** A: No. Even if you believe you were partially at fault, do not discuss fault with the other driver, bystanders, or — most importantly — with your own or the other driver's insurance adjuster. Statements as innocent as "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" can be treated as admissions under Texas rules of evidence. Fault in Texas is determined through the police investigation, the CR-3 report, witness statements, physical evidence, and ultimately by adjusters or courts applying Texas's proportionate responsibility rule. Your job at the scene is to be courteous, exchange required information, document thoroughly, and save the fault discussion for the professionals. **Q: What is Texas's 51 percent fault rule?** A: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence standard called proportionate responsibility, codified at [Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm). Under this rule, if you are 50 percent or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages from the other at-fault party — reduced by your percentage of fault. But if you are 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing. That is why accurate documentation and not admitting fault at the scene matter so much: a small shift in how fault is assigned can eliminate your entire claim. **Q: How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit after a Texas car accident?** A: Insurance carriers generally require you to report a claim within a "reasonable" time — usually 24 to 48 hours for property damage, same-day for injuries. The Texas statute of limitations on a lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident for both personal injury and property damage claims. If you miss the two-year deadline, your right to sue is generally lost forever. Do not wait to open an insurance claim just because you are negotiating with the other driver informally — if those talks break down after the limitations period expires, you have no legal recourse. **Q: Who pays for my rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?** A: It depends on who was at fault and what coverage is in place. If the other driver was at fault and their liability insurance covers you, their carrier should pay for a reasonable rental during the repair period. If you are going through your own collision coverage, you need rental reimbursement coverage on your policy — it is an inexpensive optional add-on that most Texans should have but many don't. Check your declarations page. At DG Collision Center, we coordinate rentals directly with Enterprise and some customers also qualify for a free loaner car through us, depending on availability. **Q: What does it mean if my car is declared a total loss in Texas?** A: A vehicle is declared a total loss when the cost to repair it exceeds a percentage of its pre-loss market value — Texas uses the Total Loss Formula (repair cost plus salvage value must be less than the pre-loss value for the insurer to repair rather than total it). If totaled, your insurer pays the actual cash value of the vehicle just before the loss, minus your deductible if applicable. You can dispute a low valuation by providing comparable listings or an independent appraisal. You can also choose to keep the vehicle and receive a reduced payout — it will then carry a salvage title, which significantly affects resale value and future insurability. **Q: What is diminished value and can I claim it in Texas?** A: Diminished value is the loss in resale value your vehicle suffers simply because it now has a collision history — even after it has been repaired to factory spec. In Texas, you can generally pursue a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance (called a [third-party claim](https://dgcollision.com/guides/accident-not-my-fault/)). You typically cannot recover diminished value from your own insurer in a first-party claim under standard Texas policies. To support a diminished value claim, keep every repair document, OEM parts receipt, pre- and post-repair scan reports, and consider hiring an independent appraiser. The newer and more valuable the vehicle, the larger the diminished value claim. **Q: What is the difference between PIP, UM, and UIM coverage?** A: PIP (Personal Injury Protection) pays for your own medical bills, lost wages, and some other costs regardless of who was at fault in the crash. Texas requires insurers to offer PIP but you can decline it in writing — keep it if you can. UM (Uninsured Motorist) coverage pays your damages if [the at-fault driver has no insurance](https://dgcollision.com/guides/hit-by-uninsured-driver-texas/). UIM (Underinsured Motorist) coverage pays the gap when the at-fault driver's limits are too low to cover your full damages. Roughly 1 in 8 Texas drivers is uninsured, so UM/UIM coverage is a practical necessity. Check your declarations page to confirm you carry both. **Q: How do I document the accident scene properly with my phone?** A: Take at least 30 to 40 photos. Capture: all vehicles from every angle (front, rear, sides, 3/4 views), close-ups of every piece of damage, the VIN through the windshield, license plates (yours and theirs), the other driver's insurance card and driver's license, the intersection and surrounding signs or signals, skid marks and debris fields, tire pressure or deflation, weather conditions visible in the background, any relevant street signs or landmarks, and a wide shot that puts the scene in context. Video a slow walk-around of both vehicles. Screenshot your Google Maps location and current time. See our full photo checklist. **Q: How soon after the accident should I take my car to a body shop?** A: Call a shop as soon as you have opened your insurance claim — typically the same day or next business day. You do not need to wait for an adjuster to inspect the vehicle first. At DG Collision Center we can run a pre-scan, write a detailed line-item estimate, photograph the damage for the insurance file, and identify hidden damage before the adjuster arrives. The sooner we are involved, the sooner supplements can be added to the claim, and the faster your car returns to you. Bring the tow from the scene directly to our Lewisville shop if you can — call (972) 219-0864 anytime, 24/7. **Q: Will my car insurance rates go up after an accident in Texas?** A: Often yes, but not always. Texas insurers can raise rates after an at-fault claim — typical increases run 20–40% on a six-month policy, and the surcharge usually stays on your record for three to five years depending on the carrier. If you were not at fault and there is a clear CR-3 report assigning blame to the other driver, your rates typically should not increase on renewal — though some carriers still raise rates on any claim involving a payout. Accident forgiveness is offered by some carriers as an add-on that waives the first at-fault increase. Check your policy declarations page. Making a claim under your own policy when the other driver is uninsured can also trigger a rate review even though you were not at fault, because UM claims count against you at some carriers. **Q: What if the other driver has no insurance in Texas?** A: Roughly 1 in 8 Texas drivers is uninsured. If you have UM (Uninsured Motorist) coverage on your policy, your carrier pays for damages up to your UM limits just as if they were the at-fault driver. If you do not have UM coverage, options narrow: you can sue the uninsured driver personally (though collecting from someone who could not afford insurance is usually difficult), claim under PIP if you have it for medical costs, or go through your own collision coverage for vehicle damage and pay your deductible. After the claim is paid your insurer may attempt to recover from the at-fault driver through subrogation; if successful, your deductible may be reimbursed. UM/UIM coverage is one of the cheapest and most practically important coverages to carry in Texas — check your [TDI coverage guide](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/auto-claim.html) for details. **Q: Can I sue if I am partially at fault in a Texas accident?** A: Yes — as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can sue the other at-fault party in Texas and recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. This is called modified comparative negligence, codified at [Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm). If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Small-claims court in Texas handles disputes up to $20,000; higher amounts require district or county court. Most practical disputes are resolved through insurance-to-insurance negotiation without filing a lawsuit. Consult a Texas personal-injury attorney if your injuries are significant, if fault is contested near the 50% line, or if the other carrier is refusing to settle fairly. **Q: How long does it take to get paid on a Texas accident claim?** A: Texas insurers are required by Texas Insurance Code §542.055–058 (the "Prompt Pay" statute) to acknowledge your claim within 15 business days, accept or deny liability within 15 business days of receiving the information needed to make the decision, and pay within 5 business days after accepting the claim. Simple property-damage claims with clear fault typically pay out within 2–4 weeks. Claims involving injury, disputed fault, supplements for hidden damage, or total-loss valuation disagreements can extend to 2–3 months. If a carrier misses statutory deadlines without reasonable cause, you may be entitled to 18% annual interest and attorney fees on the delayed amount. 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 1 in 8 Texas drivers is 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.