Texas law mandates that you must report a motor vehicle accident within ten (10) days. In the event that a law enforcement officer fails to arrive at the crash scene, it is imperative that you promptly complete a TxDOT crash report form. Here’s how to file a police report in Austin. It is important to remember that ten days is a considerable duration, particularly when it pertains to filing personal injury claims pertaining to injuries and/or property damage resulting from the crash.
Should You File a Police Report Immediately After a Car Accident in Texas?
The longer you delay in filing an accident report in Texas, the more compromised your potential claim becomes. Keep in mind that a crash report submitted promptly after the accident carries greater credibility compared to one filed ten days later.
Filing a Police Report Because You Were Injured in an Accident in Texas?
If you were hurt in an accident and need to file a police report, remember that this report will be used for insurance claims and any legal proceedings related to the incident. It can be difficult to know what information you should (or shouldn’t) provide. We can walk you through it and help you file it for 100% free (with absolutely zero obligation). Simply tell us your contact info here and we’ll reach out to you.
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How Can I File a Police Report for a Car Accident in Austin?
We’ve written about the steps to take to file a police report with Austin PD and how to file a sheriff’s report in Williamson County, TX. In some cases, you may be asked to fill out a CR-2 (Blue Form).
When Should I Call the Police for a Car Accident in Texas?
You need to report a motor vehicle accident in Texas to the police if there is an injury or fatality, the vehicles cannot be moved, or if there is property damage over $1,000. You have a 10-day window after the accident to report to the police, but getting the process started sooner can be beneficial.
What Happens if You Don’t Call the Police After a Car Accident in Texas?
Neglecting to report an accident to the Texas Department of Transportation is a serious offense, classified as a misdemeanor, and can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. This consequence is strictly enforced in situations involving significant bodily harm, fatality, or when the overall damage caused by the accident surpasses the threshold of $1,000.
Moreover, it is imperative to be completely honest and precise when completing your crash report, as making false statements will also result in a misdemeanor charge, possibly leading to imprisonment and more substantial fines.
What Happens if You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours in Texas?
While Texas allows a 10-day window for filing a TxDOT police report after a car accident, acting sooner can potentially strengthen your claim. The intricate legal procedures following a car accident can be daunting, especially when dealing with personal injuries. At Sandoval & James, our dedicated legal team is ready to guide you through this process, aiming to protect your rights. If you’ve recently experienced a car accident in Texas, you don’t have to navigate this complex terrain alone.
Contact Sandoval & James in Austin today for a free consultation to explore how we can help during these challenging circumstances. There’s no obligation whatsoever. And remember, if you choose to engage our services, there are no fees unless we successfully achieve a victory in your case.
And if your accident occurred in Travis County or Williamson County, see our pages about getting an accident report in Williamson County, a Lee County Sheriff incident report, or getting an accident report in Travis County, and more:
- How to Get Bastrop County Sheriff Accident Reports
- How to Get Burnet County Police Reports
- How to Get a Caldwell County Accident Report
- How to Get Leander Police Reports
- How to Get a Pflugerville Accident Report
- How to Get a Taylor TX Police Report
