As Texas roads remain dangerous despite a decline in traffic fatalities, a Houston personal injury law firm is offering practical advice to drivers on what to do in the critical minutes and days following a car accident. The Texas Department of Transportation recorded 3,769 traffic deaths statewide in 2025, down from 4,159 in 2024, but the toll remains high, and many crash victims are unprepared for the complex aftermath.
Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP, known as GoRo Law, has released a list of steps that can protect both health and legal rights. The firm recommends calling 911 to get a police report, seeking medical care immediately even if no symptoms are apparent, taking photos of the scene, collecting information from all parties, avoiding apologies or admissions of fault, and consulting a lawyer before giving any recorded statement to an insurance company.
"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."
Edgar Gonzalez, another partner and a former Coast Guard Judge Advocate, added that insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. "We want people to know their rights before they sign anything or say anything on the record," he said.
Timing is a crucial factor 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 even before that deadline, as evidence disappears and witnesses' memories fade. Additionally, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning an injured person can recover damages only if they are less than 51% responsible for the crash. 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."
Both Rothchild and Gonzalez bring 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 and later served as general counsel for a pharmaceutical company, retiring as a lieutenant commander after 10 years in the Coast Guard. Their backgrounds inform how they prepare cases, they say.
For those with questions after a crash, GoRo Law offers free consultations at Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP. The firm, located at 14800 Westheimer Road, Suite H, in Houston, handles personal injury cases, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, as well as commercial litigation. It is certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business.
This news matters because as traffic accidents continue to affect thousands of Texans, knowing the right steps can mean the difference between a successful claim and financial ruin. With insurance companies often seeking to limit payouts, timely legal guidance can help victims secure the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
