With Texas recording 3,769 traffic deaths in 2025, down from 4,159 in 2024, the aftermath of a car accident remains a perilous and often confusing experience for drivers. On October 2, 2026, Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP (GoRo Law), a Houston-based personal injury firm, released a public list of steps to take in the minutes and days following a collision. The advice is intended to help crash victims protect both their health and any future injury claim, a matter of growing importance as insurance companies continue to employ tactics that minimize payouts.
According to the firm, the first priority is to call 911 and obtain a police report, which creates an official record of the incident. Seeking medical care immediately is equally crucial, even if no symptoms are apparent, because some injuries do not manifest for hours or days. The firm also recommends photographing the scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions, and collecting names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved. Critically, drivers should avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as even a polite apology can be used against them later. Finally, GoRo Law advises consulting an attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster.
"Most people have never been in a serious wreck, so they don't know what to do when it happens," said Ben Rothchild, a partner at the firm and a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate. "A few simple steps at the scene can make a big difference later, especially once an insurance company gets involved." Rothchild's concern is echoed by his partner Edgar Gonzalez, also a former military Judge Advocate, who noted that insurance adjusters are trained to keep payouts low. "We want people to know their rights before they sign anything or say anything on the record," Gonzalez said.
Timing is another factor that can make or break a claim. In Texas, most personal injury claims, including those from car accidents, must be filed within two years of the crash. Waiting too long can weaken a case well before that deadline, as evidence disappears and witnesses forget details. Fault determination is also a common pitfall. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing an injured person to recover damages as long as they were less than 51% responsible for the crash, but any award is reduced by their share of the blame. "We see insurers push that fault number up all the time," Rothchild said. "If they can say you were half to blame, they can cut what they owe you in half, or pay nothing at all."
The firm's attorneys bring significant military legal experience to their practice. Rothchild served over 10 years in the Marine Corps, reaching the rank of major, while Gonzalez led litigation teams in Houston at an intellectual property law firm for over four years and later served as general counsel and chief compliance officer for a pharmaceutical company, retiring as a lieutenant commander after 10 years in the Coast Guard. They say this background shapes how they prepare every case. For those with questions after a crash, GoRo Law offers free consultations and can be reached at 346-483-2688. The firm's office is located at 14800 Westheimer Road, Suite H, in Houston.
