# Should You Call the Cops After a Fender Bender in Houston, TX? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Don’t Make This Common Mistake After a Fender Bender 2. Protecting Yourself after a Houston Fender Bender 3. Trusting a Stranger Can Be a Mistake 4. Fender Benders Can Cause Unforeseen Complications 5. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Should You Call the Cops After a Fender Bender in Houston, TX?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Should-You-Call-the-Cops-After-a-Fender-Bender-in-Houston-TX-300x200.jpg) [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) traffic can get pretty bad, and it’s hard to avoid the occasional fender bender. Car accidents happen to everyone at some point, and it’s a relief when the damage is minor.  When you’re caught in a minor [car accident in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), it can be tempting for both drivers to agree that the damage isn’t worth reporting. Unfortunately, this can be a big mistake. Here’s why it’s always best to call the Houston police after an accident, even when the damage is minimal.  ## Don’t Make This Common Mistake After a Fender Bender Calling the cops after a minor accident can feel like a hassle or even a mistake. After all, when you call the cops, an official report gets [filed with your insurance company](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/insurance-companies-filing-for-bankruptcy/). You risk paying a higher insurance premium for years to come, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.  Police can also take a while to arrive at the scene, and it can take even longer to collect statements and write up the report. Opting for the out-of-pocket cost of minor repairs can seem far more appealing than dealing with the wait times and insurance consequences.  This is a common mentality after a fender bender. Unfortunately, the consequences of not calling the cops can be much worse.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Protecting Yourself after a Houston Fender Bender When you involve the Houston police after a car accident, you establish [official documentation](https://www.houstontx.gov/police/public_information.htm) of the accident.  This includes important information like:  - The time and date of the accident - Which driver was at fault - The extent of vehicle or [property damage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/property-damage/) - The extent of injuries A [crash report](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-do-i-request-a-police-report-from-my-accident-in-texas/) is a vital piece of evidence for insurance claims and lawsuits. When you don’t ask the police to document these facts at the time of the accident, what actually happened becomes a matter of your word against the other driver.  Moving along with your day can seem like the practical response when a fender bender results in minor damage and no injuries. Unfortunately, this choice leaves you unprotected in a few different ways.  ## Trusting a Stranger Can Be a Mistake Unfortunately, some people take advantage of other people’s trust. But there’s no official account of what happened when you don’t call the police after a Houston fender bender.  With no official report on record, you run the risk of the other driver claiming that the accident caused damages or injuries far beyond what actually occurred. An at-fault driver can report the accident and claim that you were the driver at fault. You can even face legal charges like leaving the scene of an accident.  Another driver may seem friendly and trustworthy, but it can be a big mistake to place trust in a stranger when the stakes are high.   [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Fender Benders Can Cause Unforeseen Complications Even if the other driver doesn’t take advantage of the situation, involving the police offers protection against unforeseen complications.  Even a small accident can create big issues. You may begin to experience problems with your vehicle. For example, a fender bender can result in issues with your alignment, transmission, electrical system, and other functions. It might take days or weeks of driving before you begin to notice these problems, but they can lead to high repair bills.  Another serious concern is [whiplash](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921). You can’t always feel car accident injuries immediately, but they can lead to long-term problems like chronic pain and the need for surgery. When you establish the accident as the source of an [injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/), you’re eligible to receive compensation through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.   Car accident lawyers see all too many clients dealing with major consequences after a minor accident went unreported. Failing to call the cops after a Houston fender bender leaves you legally unprotected and potentially facing life-altering consequences.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![The Truth About Backup Cameras And Safety](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-Truth-About-Backup-Cameras-And-Safety-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-truth-about-backup-cameras-and-safety/) [The Truth About Backup Cameras and Safety](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-truth-about-backup-cameras-and-safety/) According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), backup accidents result in approximately 300 deaths [![Window Tint Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Window-Tint-Laws-in-Texas-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/window-tint-laws-in-texas/) [Window Tint Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/window-tint-laws-in-texas/) Many vehicles on the road have some type of tint on the windows. Tinting vehicle windows helps protect them from heat [![What to Know About Car Accident Reports in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/What-to-Know-About-Car-Accident-Reports-in-Houston-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-know-about-car-accident-reports-in-houston/) [What to Know About Car Accident Reports in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-know-about-car-accident-reports-in-houston/) If you've been involved in a car accident in Houston, a car accident report can help you if you ever need to file an [![Excluded Drivers Auto Insurance: Understanding Coverage Limitations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Excluded-Drivers-Auto-Insurance-Understanding-Coverage-Limitations-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/excluded-drivers-auto-insurance-understanding-coverage-limitations/) [Excluded Drivers Auto Insurance: Understanding Coverage Limitations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/excluded-drivers-auto-insurance-understanding-coverage-limitations/) Auto insurance policies have many terms and conditions. One important part is excluded drivers. An excluded driver is --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/should-you-call-the-cops-after-a-fender-bender-in-houston-tx/