Top 10 Steps to Take After a Dallas Car Accident as a Visitor:
- Call 911 and prioritize safety
- Exchange information and gather documentation
- Request a Dallas police crash report
- Seek medical treatment immediately
- Notify your insurance provider carefully
- Contact a local Dallas injury attorney
- Know the deadlines for Texas claims
- Organize all records and receipts
- Avoid quick settlements without advice
- Focus on healing while your lawyer handles the rest
- Client testimonial
- FAQs for Out-of-Town Dallas Car Accidents
- Dallas, Texas cityscape with blue sky at sunset in USA
1. Call 911 and Prioritize Safety
Immediately ensure your safety and call 911. Texas law requires accidents involving injury, death, or significant vehicle damage to be reported. Stay on the scene, remain calm, and let dispatchers know you’re visiting from out of town so responders can provide appropriate guidance.
2. Exchange Information and Gather Documentation
Even as a visitor, you must exchange full contact and insurance details with the other driver. Photograph license plates, damage, intersections, injuries, and IDs. This will be crucial for your personal injury case and for any legal follow-up once you return home.
Printable Accident Worksheet — Keep It in Your Glovebox
📥 Download this worksheet as a printable image
3. Request a Dallas Police Crash Report
The crash report filed by the responding officer is often necessary for both insurance and legal claims. In Dallas, you can request it online or visit the police department in person.
4. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Even if symptoms aren’t immediate, go to a nearby ER or urgent care clinic. Common injuries like whiplash or concussions often show up later. Let the provider know you’re visiting so they can prepare documentation that travels with you.
If You’re Not from Dallas, These Emergency Resources Can Help
Not sure where to go after an accident in Dallas? Here are some essential local contacts that can help you find medical care, vehicle recovery, and support services while you’re still in the area:
- Parkland Hospital – Dallas’ major trauma center for emergency care.
- Dallas Police Department – You’ll need their report for your insurance and legal case. Here’s how to request it.
- Dallas Auto Pound – Find out if your car was towed and how to retrieve it.
- NTBHA – Provides trauma counseling and support for crash victims.
Need more help? Our full list of Dallas personal injury resources can help you navigate recovery and legal steps as an out-of-town visitor.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider Carefully
Report the crash to your insurer as soon as possible. Share the police report number and basic details—but avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a Dallas accident lawyer. Texas has its own liability rules that may affect your claim.
6. Contact a Local Dallas Injury Attorney
Working with a Dallas-based law firm that regularly handles out-of-state clients—such as Thompson Law Dallas car accident lawyer—means you can:
- Secure critical evidence before it’s lost
- Coordinate with Dallas-area providers
- File suit in the appropriate court
- Get legal updates via phone or Zoom—no travel needed
7. Know the Deadlines for Texas Injury Claims
If you’re injured in a Dallas car crash—even as a visitor—you must follow Texas deadlines for filing claims. In most cases, the legal time limit (called the statute of limitations) is 2 years from the date of the accident.
- Involved a city or government vehicle? You may have as little as 6 months to file notice.
- If the injured person is a minor or legally incapacitated, the deadline may be paused (“tolled”).
- Wrongful death claims usually follow a 2-year window from the date of death.
- Hidden injuries or misconduct? Extensions may apply in rare fraud or concealment cases.
Texas also follows a modified comparative fault rule: if you’re less than 51% responsible for the crash, you may still recover damages—even if partially at fault.
Don’t risk losing your right to file just because you live in another state. A Dallas accident attorney can help you meet deadlines, preserve evidence, and protect your rights under Texas law.
8. Organize All Records and Receipts
Start a folder or digital drive that includes your medical bills, prescriptions, travel expenses, insurance correspondence, and lost wage info. The more organized your file, the stronger your case.
Injury Case Records Checklist
Use this list to make sure you’ve collected the right documents for your Dallas accident case:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Urgent care or doctor visit records
- Prescriptions and pharmacy receipts
- Physical therapy or rehab invoices
- Copies of imaging results (X-rays, MRIs)
- Proof of missed work or wage loss
- Mileage, hotel, or travel costs tied to care
- All emails or letters from insurance
- Claim number and adjuster contact info
- Photos of injuries, vehicles, and crash scene
- Police crash report (or request receipt)
- Witness contact info or statements
- Notes from conversations with any provider or insurer
Tip: Keep both digital and physical copies. Use folders, cloud storage, or even your phone’s Notes app to track updates.
9. Avoid Quick Settlements Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies often lowball out-of-town victims. Never accept a settlement without knowing the full value of your claim—including pain, suffering, and long-term care. An experienced attorney can help negotiate a fair resolution.
10. Focus on Healing While Your Attorney Does the Rest
A trusted Dallas injury law firm will handle everything—from gathering traffic cam footage to managing court filings—so you can focus on recovery, even from across the country. With remote tools, legal protection is just a call or click away.
Client Testimonial
“I got into an accident, didn’t really know what to do, did a Google search and TL was one of the higher rated law firms in Dallas, so I reached out. The process was smooth, very informative and it felt personalized to me.
They made sure to get me where I needed to go with the doctor. Even when paralegals changed, the communication never dropped.
Last but not least, I believe they *under sold me and over delivered*—I got more money than I expected! They treated me with respect and made me feel human.
Thankful for everyone involved in my case.”
Injured in Dallas While Visiting? Let Thompson Law Fight for You
Whether you’re recovering back home or still in town, Thompson Law is here to protect your rights and maximize your injury compensation. We’ve helped thousands of out-of-state clients navigate Texas law without the stress of traveling back for legal matters.
Call for a FREE consultation at (214) 919-5860
Or contact us online — we’re available 24/7.
No fee unless we win. Just results.
FAQs for Out-of-Town Dallas Car Accidents
Can I sue someone in Texas from another state?
Yes. If your accident occurred in Texas, your claim must follow Texas law. You can file a lawsuit through a local Dallas personal injury lawyer who can represent you without needing you to return in person.
What if I was driving a rental car?
Your rights don’t change. Document the crash, call 911, and notify the rental company. Insurance coverage will depend on what policies you selected or declined. A Dallas auto accident lawyer can help untangle multi-party liability.
Can I still get medical treatment if I leave Dallas?
Yes. Visit a provider before leaving if possible. Your medical records will support your claim, and any follow-up care at home can still be included in your injury case.
Is Texas a fault state?
Yes, Texas is an at-fault state. The person who caused the accident is responsible for damages. An injury attorney in Dallas can help prove liability using crash reports, witness statements, and traffic footage.
Do I have to talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. It’s best to let your attorney handle all communications. Anything you say can be used to undervalue your claim. A Dallas car accident law firm can protect your rights while pursuing full compensation.
Need Help After a Dallas Accident?
Whether you were in town for business or a weekend getaway, we’ll help you protect your case from wherever you are. Contact Thompson Law for a free case review today.
