A car accident is stressful — and in the moments after, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Whether it happened on US-75 in Sherman, FM 691 in Denison, or anywhere else in Grayson County, following the right steps protects you legally, financially, and physically. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before anything else. If anyone is hurt — or if there's significant vehicle damage — call 911 immediately. In Texas, you're required to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
Even if everyone seems okay, a police report creates an official record that's invaluable when filing an insurance claim.
Step 2: Move to Safety (If Possible)
If the vehicles are drivable and it's safe to do so, move them out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicles can't be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Get the following from every driver involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver's license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
Also collect contact information from any witnesses — their accounts can be critical if there's a dispute about fault later.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Use your phone to photograph everything: all vehicles involved from multiple angles, close-ups of all damage, the overall accident scene including road conditions and signage, any visible injuries, and the other driver's license, insurance card, and license plate. The more documentation you have, the stronger your position with the insurance company.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Provide the facts clearly and accurately. Avoid speculating about fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
Step 6: Choose Your Own Repair Shop
Here's something many Texas drivers don't know: you have the legal right to choose your own body shop — regardless of what your insurance company recommends. You are never required to use a "preferred" or "direct repair" shop.
Choosing your own shop means you can select a team you trust, with a proven track record in your community. Insurance companies sometimes steer drivers toward shops that prioritize speed and cost over quality — your right to choose protects you from that.
Step 7: Get a Professional Damage Assessment
Even if the damage looks minor, have a professional body shop inspect your vehicle before assuming it's just cosmetic. Hidden structural damage — to the frame, suspension, or safety systems — can affect how your car performs and how it protects you in a future accident.
Heritage Collision Center offers free estimates with a thorough inspection of all visible and underlying damage.
Why Grayson County Drivers Trust Heritage Collision Center
When you're ready to get your vehicle repaired, Heritage Collision Center is Sherman's most trusted choice:
- 4.9★ rating across 500+ vehicles repaired in Grayson County
- 100% insurance approved — we handle the claims process for you
- Expert repairs: collision, frame straightening, PDR, paint matching, RV refinishing
- Transparent communication — clear estimates, regular updates, no surprises
- Conveniently located at 4915 N Heritage Parkway, Sherman, TX
We serve drivers from Sherman, Denison, Pottsboro, McKinney, Gainesville, Durant, and all of Grayson County.
Don't let the stress of an accident linger. Get your free estimate from Heritage Collision Center and let us take it from here.