The First 24 Hours After a Car Wreck in the New Year: What Most Texans Get Wrong
A new year brings new starts, but one wrong move after a wreck can put everything at risk.
The start of a new year brings fresh routines, new commutes, and a return to normal life after the holidays. Unfortunately, January is also one of the most common months for car and truck wrecks across Texas.
Between heavier traffic, winter weather, and people rushing back to work, accidents happen, often when you least expect them.
What most people don’t realize is this:
The first 24 hours after a wreck matter more than almost anything else in your injury claim.
Here’s what many Texans get wrong and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Thinking “I’ll Deal With This After the Holidays”
January feels busy. Bills are due. Work picks back up. Kids go back to school.
So when a wreck happens, many people think:
“I’ll handle this later.”
The problem is that insurance companies do not wait.
While you’re trying to get back into routine, adjusters are already:
- Reviewing damage photos
- Requesting statements
- Deciding how little they can pay
- Looking for gaps they can use against you
Waiting even a few days can cost you evidence, leverage, and clarity.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Police Report Because It Feels Minor
In January wrecks, especially low-speed or weather-related accidents, drivers often agree to “just exchange information.”
That decision quietly weakens your case.
A police report provides:
- An official timeline
- Documentation of what each driver said
- Observations of damage and road conditions
- A neutral third-party record
Without it, stories change and insurance companies fill in the blanks in their favor.
Mistake #3: Not Getting Medical Care Within the First 24–48 Hours
Many January injury claims fail because people say:
“I felt fine at first.”
Adrenaline hides pain.
Cold weather stiffens muscles later.
Symptoms show up days after the wreck.
When medical care is delayed, insurers argue:
- The injury wasn’t serious
- The pain came from something else
- The wreck wasn’t the cause
Getting checked early protects your health and your claim.
Mistake #4: Saying Too Much to Insurance Too Soon
Early in the year, insurance companies push hard to close files quickly.
They may sound friendly. They may say they “just need a few details.”
But recorded statements lock in:
- Pain levels before injuries fully appear
- Incomplete timelines
- Confusing answers that get used later
You don’t owe the insurance company a story.
You owe them basic facts only.
Mistake #5: Posting Online Like Nothing Happened
January posts often include:
- Gym check-ins
- Back-to-work updates
- Family photos
- “Feeling better” captions
Insurance companies monitor social media.
One post can undo months of medical documentation.
Until your case is resolved, protect your recovery offline.
What to Do Instead: The Right First 24 Hours
If you’re involved in a car or truck wreck in January:
- Call the police
- Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, and injuries
- Seek medical care within 24–48 hours
- Keep conversations factual and minimal
- Avoid posting about the accident
- Speak to a lawyer before accepting any offer
These steps don’t mean you’re “suing someone.”
They mean you’re protecting yourself.
Final Thought: Start the New Year Protected
A new year should be about progress, not preventable stress.
If a wreck happens, even a “minor” one, don’t guess your way through it.
The right guidance early can make all the difference.
At Garcia Legal Group, we’re here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and move forward with clarity.
Atalia Garcia. Machell Williams.
📞 Call (972) 996-2329 for a free consultation.
People, Not Case Numbers.
