With Texas recording 3,769 traffic deaths in 2025, down from 4,159 in 2024, the aftermath of a car accident remains a critical moment for drivers. A Houston law firm, Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP (GoRo Law), is offering a public list of steps to help accident victims protect their health and any future injury claim. The firm's advice comes as insurance companies continue to employ tactics that can reduce payouts, making immediate action essential.
According to Ben Rothchild, a partner at the firm and a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate, most people have never been in a serious wreck and do not know what to do when it happens. He notes that a few simple steps at the scene can make a big difference later, especially once an insurance company gets involved. The firm recommends calling 911 to get a police report, which creates an official record of the incident. Seeking medical care right away is also crucial, even if a person feels fine, because some injuries do not show up for hours or days. Taking photos of the scene, including vehicles, damage, the road, and visible injuries, can provide valuable evidence. Collecting information from everyone involved, such as names, phone numbers, and insurance details, is equally important.
The firm also warns against admitting fault or apologizing, as even a polite "I'm sorry" can be used against a driver later. Talking to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement is advised, since insurance companies often ask for one early, before the full extent of injuries is known. Edgar Gonzalez, a partner at the firm and a former Coast Guard Judge Advocate, explains that insurance adjusters are trained to keep payouts low, and people need to know their rights before signing anything or speaking on the record.
Timing is another critical factor. In Texas, most personal injury claims, including those from car accidents, must be filed within two years of the crash. Gonzalez says waiting too long can hurt a case well before that deadline, as evidence disappears and witnesses forget details. Fault is also a complex issue. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning an injured person can still recover damages as long as they were less than 51% responsible for the crash. However, any award is reduced by their share of the blame. Rothchild points out that insurers often push that fault number up, and if they can say a driver was half to blame, they can cut what they owe in half or pay nothing at all.
Rothchild and Gonzalez both served as military Judge Advocates before moving into private practice. Rothchild served over 10 years in the Marine Corps and reached the rank of major. Gonzalez led litigation teams in Houston at an intellectual property law firm for over four years, later served as general counsel and chief compliance officer for a pharmaceutical company, and reached the rank of lieutenant commander after 10 years in the Coast Guard. They say that background shapes how they prepare every case. For those with questions after a crash, the firm offers free consultations.
