What Should You Say to Police After a Car Accident in Texas?

Car accidents are stressful, your adrenaline’s pumping, your heart’s racing, and suddenly you're being asked questions by a police officer. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. But what you say in those moments matters a lot.

At Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm, we’ve helped countless car accident victims in Rockwall and Terrell, Texas, protect their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. One of the first things we discuss is what to say and not say to law enforcement at the scene of an accident.

Honesty Is Key, But Keep It Simple

Let’s start with the most important advice: be honest. Police officers will ask you questions about what happened, whether you’re injured, and for your contact information. Lying or making assumptions can hurt your credibility and your case.

Here’s how to handle those common questions:

1. "How did the accident happen?"

Stick to the facts. Don’t guess, speculate, or assign blame. It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure,” if things happened quickly or you’re still processing the incident. Just describe what you know happened in the most neutral, straightforward way.

2. "Are you injured?"

This one’s tricky. At the moment, you might not feel injured. But adrenaline can mask pain, and many injuries, especially whiplash, back pain, or internal injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to say, “I don’t think I’m injured, but I’d like to get checked out just in case.”

Don’t feel pressured to deny help. If an ambulance is offered and you think you may need it, say yes. Seeking medical attention after an accident is not only smart but also creates documentation that could be vital for your claim.

What Not to Say at the Scene

People tend to overshare or say things out of nervousness in stressful moments. Here are a few things to avoid saying to the police (or anyone else at the scene):

“I’m sorry.”It might feel polite, but it can be seen as an admission of guilt.

“I wasn’t paying attention.” Even if you were momentarily distracted, don’t speculate or self-incriminate.

“I’m fine.” Again, you may feel fine now, but that can change quickly.

You Can Still Seek Medical Attention Later

One of the biggest myths we hear is, “I didn’t go to the hospital at the scene, so I can’t get care later.” This is totally false.

If symptoms show up later, you can absolutely visit your doctor, an urgent care clinic, or even the ER, and in many cases, they do. Be sure to document everything and contact a personal injury attorney right away.

Final Thoughts: Speak Honestly, Stay Calm, and Protect Your Rights

The moments after a crash are confusing, but they’re also crucial. How you respond can shape how your case unfolds. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone.

At Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm, we specialize in helping car accident victims in Rockwall and Terrell, Texas, get the support, care, and compensation they deserve. From dealing with the insurance company to getting your medical bills paid, we’ve got your back.

Injured in a Car Accident? Let’s Talk.

Your first consultation is always free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.📞 Call us today or visit our website to schedule your consultation.

Let Ashmore & Ashmore be your advocates when it matters most.