How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

Personal injuries can occur because of many different events. These injuries have long-term, life-altering effects and, in some cases, may be life-threatening. Often, victims of such accidents will require lifelong medical care, which leads to high medical bills and can affect the victim’s quality of life. Before filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may want to know how much your case is worth. This will help you plan and ensure all bills are settled. However, each case is unique; your lawyer will consider several aspects when calculating the claim’s value.

How Much Is MY Personal Injury Case Worth?

There are different types of personal injuries. Considering their permanent nature, these injuries can be costly to treat. In addition, you may also suffer other types of losses. In the end, no two personal injury cases are alike. Therefore, the amount of compensation you get will depend on the circumstances of your case.

Who Is Liable for Personal Injuries?

When you suffer catastrophic injuries, not only do you want to seek compensation for those injuries, but you also want to make sure that you hold all liable parties accountable for their actions. To determine who bears liability for your injuries, your lawyers will need to discover who owned you a duty of care and how that duty of care was violated in a way that led to your injuries.

What Happens If You Don’t Report a Car Accident in Texas?

July 12, 2025 by Greg Baumgartner

Failing to Report a Car Accident in Texas Can Have Legal Consequences. Understanding what happens if you don’t report a car accident in Texas is crucial for all drivers.

In Texas, the law requires that certain car accidents be reported to law enforcement. If you fail to report an accident when the law requires it, you may face criminal charges, civil liability, and difficulties with your insurance claim. Under Texas Transportation Code §550.026, you must report a collision if it results in injury, death, or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more. Failure to comply is a Class C misdemeanor, and more severe penalties could apply if the accident involved injuries or fatalities.

When You Must Report a Car Accident in Texas

You are legally required to report a crash in Texas under the following conditions:

Anyone injured or killed in the accident
There is damage to any vehicle or property exceeding $1,000
A vehicle cannot be safely driven away from the scene
The accident involves a commercial vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist

Reporting must be made to local law enforcement.

Criminal Penalties for Failing to Stop and Render Aid

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.023, leaving the scene or failing to report a qualifying accident can result in harsh criminal charges:

Hit and Run with Property Damage: Class C or Class B misdemeanor, depending on damage value
Hit and Run Involving Injury: State jail felony
Hit and Run Involving Death: Third-degree or second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000

These criminal penalties are separate from any civil liability and insurance issues that may also arise.

Insurance Consequences for Not Reporting an Accident

If you fail to report a car accident, your insurance company may dispute your claim. Most auto insurance policies require prompt notification of any accident involving damage or injury. Even if the other party was at fault, you may hamper your right to compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost wages.

Texas Law Requires Drivers to Exchange Information

Even if you do not have to report the accident to the police, you are still required to:

Stop immediately at the scene
Provide your name, address, driver’s license, and insurance information to the other party.
Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured.

Failing to exchange this information is a separate violation of Texas law and can also lead to criminal penalties.

Civil Liability and Comparative Fault

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule; a court can assign you a percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. Even if you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced proportionally.

When to File a Crash Report with TxDOT

In Texas, if police do not investigate the accident and the crash meets certain thresholds, you can file a crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation (Form CR-2). Although this is no longer mandatory since 2017, documenting the accident is still highly recommended to help protect yourself legally and financially.

Why Prompt Reporting Protects You

Reporting an accident protects your legal rights, helps ensure accurate documentation, and creates an official record. Parts of police reports can be used as evidence in insurance claims and lawsuits. Waiting to report or failing to report altogether can lead to disputes about fault and delays in compensation.

Need a copy of your crash report?

Steps to Take Immediately After a Crash in Texas

Stop your vehicle and check for injuries
Call 911 and report the accident if required by law
Exchange information with the other driver
Take photographs of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and injuries
Seek medical attention when needed
Notify your insurance company
Consult with a personal injury attorney if you were hurt.

Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims in Texas

Texas law limits the time you must file a lawsuit after a car accident. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for a Free Consultation on an Auto Accident Injury

Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111.

Baumgartner Law Firm

6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy

Houston, TX, 77069

Visit Our Law Firm in Houston

Related Resources:

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in Texas

Houston Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Can I Sue for Hit and Run in Texas?

How to file a car accident claim without a Houston crash report

Houston Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

When Are Crash Reports Required in Texas?

Post under: Auto Accidents

Greg Baumgartner, Founder of Baumgartner Law Firm

Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.

Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.

His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.

With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.

Baumgartner Law Firm 6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069 Call Us at: (281) 587-1111