Car Accident Settlement in Texas
Texas car accident laws — statute of limitations, fault rules, minimum insurance requirements, no-fault vs. tort rules, and typical settlement amounts.
Texas is a fault (tort) state. The at-fault driver's liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is strongly recommended — Texas has a high rate of uninsured drivers.
Texas requires completing a CR-2 (Blue Form) if law enforcement did not investigate the accident and the crash caused injury, death, or damage estimated to exceed $1,000. The driver is responsible for filing this with TxDPS within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
2 years. Texas's statute of limitations for car accident personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003). Miss this deadline and your claim is barred.
Is Texas a fault or no-fault state?
Fault (tort) state. Texas is a fault (tort) state. The at-fault driver's liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is strongly recommended — Texas has a high rate of uninsured drivers.
What are the fault rules for car accidents in Texas?
Texas follows Modified Comparative Fault. Texas follows modified comparative fault with a 51% bar — if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Texas?
30/60/25 (bodily injury per person/per accident/property damage). Texas minimum liability: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident bodily injury / $25,000 property damage. Texas has relatively higher minimum coverage than most states.
How much is a car accident settlement worth in Texas?
$15,000–$60,000. Texas car accident settlements vary by severity. Soft-tissue injuries often settle $10,000–$25,000. Serious injuries, truck accidents (major in TX), and commercial vehicle cases commonly exceed $100,000.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Texas?
Call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange insurance, license, and registration with other drivers. Document the scene with photos. Get witness contact information. Seek medical attention immediately — do not wait. Texas requires completing a CR-2 (Blue Form) if law enforcement did not investigate the accident and the crash caused injury, death, or damage estimated to exceed $1,000. The driver is responsible for filing this with TxDPS within 10 days.