In the chaotic moments following a car accident, shock and confusion often lead to missed opportunities that can harm both health and legal standing. Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP (GoRo Law), a Houston law firm, has released a set of recommendations aimed at helping drivers navigate the critical minutes and days after a collision. The guidance arrives as Texas roads continue to see a high number of fatalities, with the Texas Department of Transportation reporting 3,769 traffic deaths statewide in 2025, a slight decrease from 4,159 in 2024. This context underscores the importance of being prepared, as any crash can lead to serious injuries or legal disputes.
The firm’s advice centers on six key steps: calling 911 to secure a police report, seeking immediate medical attention even if no symptoms are apparent, photographing the scene thoroughly, exchanging information with all parties, avoiding any admission of fault or apology, and consulting a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to insurers. These actions, according to the firm, create a protective buffer against the tactics often employed by insurance companies to minimize payouts. “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.”
Beyond immediate steps, the firm highlights the critical role of timing in personal injury claims. In Texas, most claims must be filed within two years of a crash, but waiting can jeopardize a case long before that deadline. Evidence can vanish, and witness memories can fade, making it harder to build a strong claim. Additionally, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing recovery as long as the injured party is less than 51% responsible, but any award is reduced by their share of 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.”
The legal landscape after a car accident is further complicated by the aggressive strategies of insurance adjusters. “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.” This warning is particularly relevant because recorded statements, often requested early by insurers, can be used to undermine a claim before the full extent of injuries is known.
GoRo Law’s partners bring a distinctive background to their practice. Both Rothchild and Gonzalez served as military Judge Advocates before transitioning to private practice. Rothchild spent over a decade 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 ten years in the Coast Guard. This experience, they say, shapes their meticulous approach to case preparation. For those with questions after a crash, the firm offers a free consultation through its website at Gonzalez & Rothchild LLP, or by phone at 346-483-2688.
Ultimately, the firm’s public tips serve as a reminder that post-accident decisions can have lasting consequences. By understanding their rights and acting swiftly, drivers can better protect themselves from both physical and financial harm. As traffic incidents continue to affect Texas communities, such knowledge becomes an essential tool for anyone on the road.
