In the aftermath of a car accident, knowing what to do can be critical for protecting both physical well-being and legal rights. Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP (GoRo Law), a Houston law firm, is offering a list of recommended actions for drivers in the minutes and days following a collision. The guidance arrives as Texas roads continue to see a high number of fatalities; the Texas Department of Transportation reported 3,769 traffic deaths statewide in 2025, a decrease from 4,159 in 2024 but still a significant figure.
According to the firm, many people are unprepared for the chaos of a serious wreck. "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 Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP 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."
The firm's recommendations include calling 911 to ensure a police report is filed, which creates an official record of the incident. Seeking medical attention immediately is also crucial, as some injuries may not manifest for hours or days. Taking photographs of the scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions, can provide valuable evidence. Collecting contact and insurance information from all parties involved is equally important. The firm also cautions against admitting fault or apologizing, as such statements can be used against drivers later. Finally, they advise consulting a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company.
"Insurance adjusters are trained to keep payouts low. That's their job," said Edgar Gonzalez, a partner at the firm and a former Coast Guard Judge Advocate. "We want people to know their rights before they sign anything or say anything 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 noted that waiting too long can weaken a case even before the deadline, as evidence may disappear and witnesses' memories fade.
Fault determination can also be complex. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing an injured person to recover damages if they were less than 51% responsible for the crash. However, 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."
Rothchild and Gonzalez bring substantial legal experience to their practice. Both served as military Judge Advocates before transitioning to private practice. Rothchild spent 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 and chief compliance officer for a pharmaceutical company, retiring as a lieutenant commander after 10 years in the Coast Guard. Their backgrounds inform their approach to preparing cases.
For those with questions after a crash, GoRo Law offers free consultations and can be reached at 346-483-2688. More information is available at Ben Rothchild's profile on the firm's website. The firm, which is 100% veteran-owned, handles personal injury cases, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, as well as commercial litigation and other business matters. It is certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business and is located at 14800 Westheimer Road, Suite H, in Houston.
