Under Texas law, you must take specific actions after a car crash to assist others and report what happened to the authorities. Part of this is getting certain details from the other drivers who were involved. Doing so not only fulfills your legal duties, but it also benefits you in the event you need to file an insurance claim or even a personal injury lawsuit.
Quick Checklist: What to Exchange
- ✓ Driver’s License (front & back photos)
- ✓ Insurance Card (photo)
- ✓ Vehicle Registration
- ✓ Contact Information (phone/email)
- ✓ License Plate Number
- ✓ Vehicle VIN Number
Knowing what information to exchange after a car accident involves more than just getting a name and address. Collecting thorough, accurate details ensures your claim proceeds smoothly and protects you from disputes about fault or damages. Below, we discuss vital information you should collect and provide to process your claim as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Here’s What to Share After a Car Crash
Section 550 of the Texas Transportation Code requires anyone involved in a car accident to stop, render aid, and exchange information. The first thing you should do is make sure the scene is safe, everyone is OK, call 911, and then cooperate with the authorities. In most cases, the police will collect the relevant information that you can later obtain from a police report.
However, collecting it yourself is still important, as it allows you to check the accuracy and provides an immediate backup record.
Driver’s Licenses
We recommend taking a photo of the front and back sides of each license, since you may not have a pen and paper with you after a crash. Photographing the barcode on the back also makes it easier to look up details and confirm them later on. Be sure to ask the individual if all the information is correct.
Police will ask for everyone’s licenses and run them through their system to identify any that are suspended or revoked. If the other driver was using a suspended or revoked license, your attorney can use this to show that person’s negligence to support your claim.
Email and Phone Numbers
You should also exchange work, home, and cell phone numbers, as well as email addresses. If the other party offers a business card, be sure to ask them to repeat the phone numbers on the card so you can be sure they’re the current ones. Getting multiple ways to reach them helps avoid problems when you file your claim.
Insurance Policy Details
Texas is an at-fault state, so anyone who causes a crash is financially responsible for the damage and injuries they cause. All Texas drivers must carry liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts, and if the evidence shows they are to blame, you can file a claim. Take a photo of the insurance card and ask the driver to confirm that their insurance is active.
If the driver does not have their insurance card with them, ask them for the name of their insurance provider. You can contact the company’s policy assistance number and provide the driver’s name and address. This should help you get started on filing your claim.
Vehicle Registration
Police usually check registration information, but you should still exchange it with the other driver. Take photos of the license plate, vehicle registration, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the driver’s side dashboard. This information can be important if the car is unregistered or stolen.
After a Texas car crash, exchange licenses, insurance details, contact info, and vehicle registration to protect your claim.
What to Do if a Driver Doesn’t Want to Exchange Information
If the other driver refuses to share their information, they may be hiding something, such as a suspended license or no insurance. Some drivers may offer to pay cash for damages, but you should never agree to this. Hidden injuries or unseen vehicle damage can cost far more than what they offer.
If they still refuse to share information, ask the responding police officers for help. Officers must include this information in their crash report, which you or your attorney can use for your claim. Their presence also protects your safety.
A driver refusing to exchange details could be hiding something. Let the authorities handle it—your police report will protect your rights and support your case.
What to Do if the Other Driver Flees the Scene
If a driver leaves the area before the police arrive, stay where you are and wait for the authorities. Try to take a photo or video of the vehicle and the person and share that with the police. They can work to locate the driver, but your job is to remain at the scene and share your details with them.
A car accident lawyer can also help by requesting traffic camera footage or other evidence. They can guide you through filing a claim under your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the driver is not found. This ensures you still have a path to compensation.
Exchanging Information Is the Foundation of a Texas Car Accident Claim
After a crash, you might be hurt, stressed, or unable to think clearly. Taking photos of documents—licenses, insurance cards, and registrations—gives you strong evidence for your claim. These details, along with the police report, help prove who is at fault and who must pay for your damages.
Even if you file your claim without a lawyer, you will still need this information for both insurance companies. They will review your medical records, vehicle damage, and other losses to decide what to offer you. Without the right information and an understanding of personal injury law, you could accidentally accept less than you deserve.