Texas law requires you to report a car accident to the police if it involves any injury or death, property damage exceeding $1,000, or a vehicle that cannot be safely driven from the scene.
This requirement is set forth in Texas Transportation Code Section 550.062. If you don’t report an accident that meets the requirements, you could face criminal charges, lose your license, and not be able to get money for your injuries and damages.
The investigating officer must file a written crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation within ten days. This creates an official record of what happened and protects everyone involved.
What Happens If You Don’t Call the Police After an Accident in Texas?
Failing to report a required accident creates immediate legal jeopardy and long-term financial problems. What seems like a simple agreement to “handle it ourselves” can quickly become your worst nightmare. The consequences are real, and they’re severe.
Here’s what you’re risking by not calling the police:
- Criminal charges: Hit-and-run charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on injuries and damage.
- License suspension: Texas DPS can suspend your driving privileges for failing to report.
- Denied insurance claims: Your insurer may refuse to pay unless there is an official police report.
- Lost legal protection: Without a neutral police report, it becomes your word against theirs.
When there isn’t a police report, insurance companies are happy. They can argue about everything, like who was to blame, how much damage was done, and whether the injuries are real. Before the fight even starts, you lose important evidence.
The other driver might seem helpful at the scene, but people can change their minds. They could later say you caused the accident or that their injuries are worse than they really are if there isn’t a police report.
How to Report a Car Accident to Police in Texas
The reporting process is straightforward, but timing matters. The sooner you report, the better your evidence and the stronger your legal position become.
Calling Police to the Scene
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or if vehicles are blocking traffic. For non-emergency situations, use the local police non-emergency number. Have this information ready when you call:
- Exact location: Cross streets or mile markers help officers find you quickly.
- Injury status: Tell them if anyone is hurt, even if injuries seem minor.
- Vehicle details: Number of cars involved and whether they’re blocking traffic.
- Safety concerns: Mention any hazards, such as leaking fluids or debris.
Stay at the scene and work with the officer who arrives. Stick to what you saw and don’t guess about what caused it or take the blame.
Filing a Report If Police Don’t Respond
Sometimes police won’t come to minor accident scenes. If your accident still meets reporting requirements, you’re not off the hook. If police don’t respond to the scene, you should file a driver’s crash report with the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
Previously, this meant completing a Driver’s Crash Report (Form CR-2) and sending it to TxDOT. However, as of 2019, TxDOT no longer keeps these self-filed reports. This change makes it even more critical to get police to the scene.
Without an official police investigation, you lose the neutral third-party documentation that insurance companies and courts rely on. Push harder for police response whenever possible.
What Information Does a Texas Police Report Include?
A Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) captures essential details about your accident. This document becomes the foundation for insurance claims and any legal action. Understanding what’s included helps you know what evidence is being recorded.
The report documents basic crash information, such as date, time, and exact location. It includes detailed information about every driver, passenger, and vehicle involved. The officer records witness names and contact information, though they might miss some witnesses. You should identify yourself.
Most importantly, the report includes the officer’s narrative account of how the accident occurred. This section includes a diagram showing vehicle positions and the officer’s assessment of contributing factors. These contributing factors often determine which insurance companies are blamed for the accident.
The officer also notes any traffic citations issued and whether alcohol or drugs were suspected. Weather and road conditions are documented, along with any special circumstances, such as construction zones or malfunctioning traffic signals.
| Police Report Documents | You Should Also Record |
| Driver and vehicle information | Photos of all damage from multiple angles |
| Officer’s accident diagram | Your own written account while memory is fresh |
| Witness names the officer collected | Additional witnesses the officer might have missed |
| Contributing factors assessment | Road and weather conditions at the scene |
| Citations issued | Conversations with other drivers or passengers |
Do You Need a Police Report for Minor Accidents?
Yes, you should always get a police report, even for minor accidents. What looks like a small fender-bender or minor accident often involves more damage and injuries than you realize at the scene.
Here’s why minor accidents need police reports:
- Hidden damage: Modern vehicles hide expensive damage behind plastic bumpers and panels.
- Delayed injuries: Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries often don’t show symptoms for hours or days.
- Legal protection: A police report prevents the other driver from changing their story later.
- Insurance requirements: Many insurers demand police reports regardless of damage severity.
I’ve seen countless “minor” accidents turn into major insurance battles. The other driver seems reasonable at the scene, then calls their insurance claiming you ran a red light. Without a police report, you’re fighting an uphill battle with no neutral evidence.
Damage estimates at the scene are notoriously unreliable. That small dent might need a new bumper, sensors, and paint work, costing thousands. The $1,000 threshold gets crossed faster than you think.
How to Get Your Police Report After an Accident?
You can obtain the Texas crash report from the investigating agency or TxDOT once the officer files the report. You’ll need this document for your insurance claim and for my review of your case.
The easiest way to get your report is through TxDOT’s online Crash Report Purchase System. You’ll need at least one of these pieces of information:
- Crash ID number: The officer should provide this to you at the scene.
- Driver’s name: Any person involved in the accident.
- Driver’s license number: Your license number or the other driver’s.
- Vehicle identification number: The VIN from any vehicle involved.
There is a fee to obtain crash reports; certified copies typically cost more than regular copies. You can also request reports directly from the police department that investigated your accident.
If you hire me as your Lubbock car accident lawyer to handle your case, obtaining the police report is one of the first things I do. I review it immediately to spot any errors or problems that could hurt your claim.
What If the Police Report Contains Errors?
Police reports aren’t perfect. Officers sometimes make mistakes about what happened, who was involved, or what caused the accident. These errors can seriously damage your insurance claim and any legal case.
Common police report errors include wrong driver information, incorrect vehicle details, missing witnesses, and flawed accident descriptions. Sometimes officers misunderstand what happened and assign fault incorrectly.
If you find errors, act quickly:
- Contact the investigating officer immediately: It’s easier to fix mistakes before the report gets finalized.
- Provide clear evidence: Photos, witness statements, and repair estimates support your correction requests.
- Submit a supplemental statement: If the officer won’t change the report, add your own statement to the file.
Don’t ignore report errors, hoping they won’t matter. Insurance adjusters rely heavily on police reports when determining fault and settlement amounts. An uncorrected error can cost you thousands of dollars.
At Perrin Law Injury & Accident Lawyer, I help clients identify and address issues in police reports before they damage their cases. Getting errors corrected early prevents bigger problems later.
When Should You Contact a Car Accident Attorney?
You need a lawyer whenever your accident that could affect how much money you get. Don’t wait until problems come up. Taking action early stops mistakes that can’t be fixed later.
Contact an attorney immediately if your accident involves:
- Any injuries: Even minor injuries can become major medical problems requiring extensive treatment.
- Disputed fault: When the other driver or their insurance company blames you for the accident.
- Police report errors: Incorrect information that makes you look responsible for the crash.
- Commercial vehicles: Trucks, delivery vans, or other business vehicles have different insurance and liability rules.
- Uncooperative insurance companies: Delayed responses, lowball offers, or claim denials require legal intervention.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. You need someone on your side who understands their tactics and knows how to fight back effectively.
I help accident victims navigate these complex situations. The earlier you involve me, the better I can protect your rights and build a strong case.
How Can I Help With Your Car Accident Case?
When you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle repairs, and insurance companies, you need someone who knows how to handle the legal complexities. I take over the fight so you can focus on getting better.
My approach starts with securing and analyzing all the evidence, beginning with the police report. I identify any errors or gaps that could hurt your case and work to correct them immediately.
I handle all communication with insurance companies because I know their tactics. Adjusters ask seemingly innocent questions designed to get you to say something that damages your claim. When they’re dealing with me instead of you, those tricks don’t work.
Here’s what I do for every client:
- Investigate thoroughly: I gather evidence beyond the police report, including witness statements, expert analysis, and accident reconstruction when needed.
- Correct report errors: I work with police departments to fix mistakes that could unfairly blame you for the accident.
- Handle insurance companies: I take over all communications so adjusters can’t trick you into damaging admissions.
- Prepare for trial: I build every case as if it’s going to court, which makes insurance companies take your claim seriously.
If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure where to turn, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact me today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how I can protect your rights and help you secure the recovery you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Texas?
You must report qualifying accidents immediately from the scene by calling the police. If officers don’t respond and your accident meets reporting requirements, you have ten days to file a driver’s crash report with TxDOT.
Can I Still File a Police Report Days After My Accident?
Yes, you can visit any police station to file a delayed report, but immediate reporting from the scene is always better. Delayed reports may be less detailed and carry less weight with insurance companies.
What If the Other Driver Refuses to Let Me Call the Police?
You should call the police anyway if your accident legally requires reporting. The other driver cannot prevent you from fulfilling your legal obligation, and their refusal might indicate they’re hiding something.
Will I Get in Trouble for Not Reporting a Required Accident?
Yes, failing to report a qualifying accident is a misdemeanor criminal offense that can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time depending on the circumstances.
Do I Need to Report Accidents That Happen in Parking Lots?
Yes, if a parking lot accident causes injury or more than $1,000 in damage, the same reporting laws apply. The location doesn’t change your legal duty to report qualifying accidents.
If you’ve been in an accident and need help understanding your rights or dealing with insurance companies, contact me today for a free consultation. I’ll review your situation and explain your options with no obligation on your part.