A car accident on US-87, US-277, or anywhere in Tom Green County is disorienting. The steps you take in the first few hours matter more than most people realize — both for your health and for any insurance or legal claim that follows. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide for San Angelo residents.
Step 1: Check for Injuries Immediately
Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers. Neck and back pain, headaches, and dizziness frequently have delayed onset after a crash — symptoms that are absent at the scene can become serious within 24 to 72 hours. Do not assume you are fine just because nothing hurts right away.
Step 2: Move to Safety If You Can
If your vehicle is drivable and you can safely pull to the shoulder or a nearby lot without worsening any injuries, do so. US-87 and US-277 carry fast-moving traffic, and a vehicle in the lane creates serious secondary accident risk. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Step 3: Call 911
In San Angelo, call 911 for any accident involving injuries, significant property damage, or a vehicle blocking traffic. The San Angelo Police Department handles incidents inside city limits; the Tom Green County Sheriff covers rural routes. A police report documents the facts of the crash and is essential for any insurance claim or legal action.
Texas Transportation Code Section 550.026 requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or damage that prevents a vehicle from being driven safely.
Step 4: Document the Scene
While waiting for police, document everything you can:
- Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, including damage and license plates
- Photograph vehicle positions before they are moved
- Note the time, weather, road conditions, and any traffic signals or signs nearby
- Record names and contact information of any witnesses
- Note whether any commercial vehicles, government vehicles, or military vehicles were involved — this affects the legal process significantly
Step 5: Exchange Information
Get from the other driver:
- Full legal name, address, and phone number
- Driver license number and issuing state
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and license plate
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Go to Shannon Medical Center, Concho Valley Urgent Care, or your primary care physician — even if you feel fine. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and traumatic brain injuries frequently show no immediate symptoms. A medical visit creates a record that connects emerging symptoms to the accident date, which is critical for any insurance claim or lawsuit.
Gaps in medical treatment are one of the most common reasons insurance companies reduce settlement offers.
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Be factual and brief. Do not speculate about fault, and do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting a personal injury attorney. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts, not to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Step 8: Consider Whether You Need a Lawyer
For a minor fender-bender with no injuries, you may not need an attorney. But you likely do if:
- Anyone was injured, even minor injuries
- A commercial vehicle or 18-wheeler was involved
- A Goodfellow AFB vehicle or military contractor was at fault
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- The insurance company is disputing fault or offering a low settlement
- Your medical bills exceed a few thousand dollars
Texas gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Do not wait until near that deadline to consult an attorney — evidence disappears and witnesses become harder to locate.
TrustedProsTX matches San Angelo residents with verified, SBOT-licensed car accident lawyers at no cost. Find a San Angelo car accident lawyer here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver fled the scene?
Call 911 immediately and document every detail you can about the other vehicle: make, model, color, partial plate, direction of travel. Texas uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may cover your injuries even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
What if a Goodfellow AFB vehicle caused my accident?
If a military vehicle on official duty caused your crash, your claim falls under the Federal Tort Claims Act, not standard Texas personal injury law. You must file an administrative claim with the military branch within two years of the incident. FTCA claims have different procedures and often shorter effective deadlines. Consult an attorney with federal tort experience immediately.
Do I have to give a statement to the other driver’s insurance?
No. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the adverse insurer. Politely decline until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
Two years from the accident date under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Government and military claims have different deadlines that may be shorter.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Under Texas proportionate responsibility, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault for a $100,000 injury, you could recover $80,000.