A car accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. From dealing with painful injuries to navigating medical bills and insurance calls, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault. In Texas, the steps you take immediately after a crash can directly impact your ability to recover compensation later. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we’re here to help you protect your rights and guide you through the legal process with confidence and clarity. 

Whether your accident happened on Highway 289, near Lake Texoma, or on a quiet backroad in Grayson County, knowing what to do and what to avoid can make all the difference. 

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident 

Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention 

Safety comes first. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 and request emergency medical assistance immediately. Even if injuries appear minor or you feel "fine," it’s still critical to be evaluated by a medical professional. The adrenaline and shock following a crash can mask symptoms of severe conditions such as concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries. Delaying medical treatment not only puts your health at risk, but it can also complicate your legal claim later on. 

We strongly recommend that you get checked out as soon as possible, either at the scene by paramedics or by visiting a doctor within 24 hours. Doing so creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which is vital if symptoms worsen or if you pursue compensation later. Insurance companies often question claims that aren’t backed by immediate medical documentation, so this step protects both your well-being and your legal rights. 

Move to Safety and Exchange Information 

If possible, move your vehicle out of the roadway. Exchange names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, license plates, and insurance information with the other driver. 

Document the Scene 

Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, damage, and any injuries. Get contact info from any witnesses, as their statements may help support your case later. 

Call the Police and Get a Report 

Always request a police officer to respond to the scene. A formal accident report is a key piece of evidence when determining fault and dealing with insurance companies. 

Contact David K. Wilson & Associates Before Talking to Insurance 

The sooner you speak with our team, the better your chances of fully protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery. After a car accident, insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, sometimes within hours, to ask for a statement or offer a fast settlement. While they may sound helpful, their primary goal is to minimize the insurance company’s financial responsibility, not to protect your best interests. 

You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, and doing so can often work against you. Even seemingly innocent comments can be taken out of context and used to deny or reduce your claim. That’s why it's so important to have experienced legal representation before engaging with insurers. 

By contacting us early, you gain a trusted advocate who will protect your rights, build your case, and fight for the compensation you truly deserve without falling victim to insurance company pressure or bad faith practices. 

Texas Is an At-Fault State: Here’s What That Means 

Texas follows the "at-fault" system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident (and their insurance company) is legally responsible for paying damages. However, Texas also uses a rule called modified comparative fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover compensation. If you are 49% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. 

For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you'd receive $80,000. That’s why determining and proving fault is a crucial step in protecting your rights. 

Why You Should Be Cautious With Insurance Companies 

After a crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you within hours or days. They might sound sympathetic or offer what seems like a fair settlement, but their real goal is to limit the amount they pay out. Many people don’t realize that insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can lead you to downplay your injuries or unknowingly admit fault. That’s why it’s critical to approach any conversation with caution. 

Even simple, casual statements can hurt your claim. Saying things like: 

• “I’m fine” or “I don’t think I’m hurt” can be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious. 
• “I might have been going a little fast” could be interpreted as an admission of fault. 
• “I didn’t see them” can be twisted to imply that you were distracted or not paying attention. 

These types of remarks might seem harmless in the moment, especially when you’re shaken up, but they can be used later to reduce or deny your compensation. 

If you do find yourself on the phone with an insurance adjuster before you’ve spoken to an attorney, keep your answers brief and factual. You can say: 

• “I’m not prepared to give a full statement at this time.” 
• “A doctor is still evaluating me and doesn’t have all the information yet.” 
• “I’d prefer to have my attorney handle all communications going forward.” 

Remember, you are not legally required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company, and doing so can put your claim at risk. Let David K. Wilson & Associates step in and take over those conversations. We know the tactics insurers use, and we’ll ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process. 

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pottsboro, you may be entitled to pursue a range of damages depending on the circumstances of your case. One of the most immediate concerns is medical expenses, which can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary future medical care related to the accident. In addition to covering your healthcare needs, you may also seek compensation for lost wages if your injuries caused you to miss work, or for reduced earning capacity if you're unable to return to your job or perform the same duties as before.   

Beyond financial losses, Texas law also allows recovery for pain and suffering, which includes the physical pain, mental distress, and emotional trauma often associated with serious injuries. Victims may also recover compensation for property damage, such as the cost to repair or replace a damaged vehicle or other personal belongings lost in the crash.   

In more serious or life-altering cases, you may be eligible to claim damages for loss of enjoyment of life, which applies when your injuries prevent you from participating in the hobbies, activities, or lifestyle you once enjoyed. In tragic cases involving fatalities, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, which can cover funeral and burial costs, as well as the loss of financial support, companionship, and emotional support from their loved one.   

Every case is unique, but understanding the full scope of compensation available is essential to ensuring you’re not left with out-of-pocket expenses or unresolved losses. 

Why Legal Representation Matters 

Car accident cases can become complex quickly, especially when injuries are severe, fault is unclear, or the insurance company is pushing for a quick, lowball settlement. That’s where having experienced legal counsel makes a significant difference. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we bring over 40 years of legal experience to every case we handle, and we understand the unique challenges car accident victims face right here in Pottsboro, Grayson County, and throughout North Texas. 

From the moment you contact us, our team begins a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your crash. We collect and preserve key evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, and damage assessments. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish how the collision happened and who was at fault. 

We push back on unfair settlement tactics and make sure any offer takes into account your full range of damages, including long-term medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

What truly sets us apart is our deep knowledge of both local and state legal systems, as well as our commitment to personal service. We don’t treat your case like a file number; we take the time to understand your needs, your injuries, and your goals. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or taking a case to court, we build a strategy tailored to the specifics of your situation. And because we’ve practiced in Grayson County for over four decades, we know the roads where many of these accidents occur, the local court procedures, and how to prepare for the opposition. 

Contact Us Today, We’re Ready to Help 

If you've been injured in a car accident in Pottsboro or anywhere in Grayson County, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you speak with our team, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. 

Call David K. Wilson & Associates today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and fight for justice on your behalf.