UPDATE: As of 2017, TxDOT no longer accepts the Blue Form (CR-2 Accident Report). If you have questions about what to do instead, please contact us, 24/7.
Effective Sept. 1, 2017, per the 85th Texas Legislature Senate Bill 312, the Driver’s Crash Report (Form CR-2) is no longer retained by TxDOT. As of Jan. 1, 2019, the retention period expired for all CR-2 forms. As a result, TxDOT no longer has any Driver’s Crash Reports in its custodial records and no longer hosts or provides copies of the CR-2 form. Drivers involved in a crash not investigated by a police officer who were provided a CR-2 or similar local agency form should retain this information for their records. Please note that any CR-2 or similar local agency form submitted to TxDOT will be destroyed as required by our records retention policy.
–TxDOT
What Does TxDOT Do for Crash Reports & Records?
According to TxDOT, beginning on 9/1/2017, “Texas Transportation Code §550.062 requires any law enforcement officer who in the regular course of duty investigates a motor vehicle crash that results in injury to or the death of a person or damage to the property of any one person to the apparent extent of $1,000 or more, to submit a written report of that crash to TxDOT not later than the tenth day after the date of the crash.
TxDOT collects crash reports from Texas law enforcement agencies for crashes occurring on public roadways and the state highway system. The state retention schedule for crash reports and data is 10 years plus the current year. Data analysis for years outside this retention period is unavailable. However, published annual reports may be available for years outside the retention period.”
You may have come across this page from TxDOT when searching for how to file an accident report in Texas. However, that page is specifically for law enforcement officials (ex. police and sheriffs) about how to file accident reports in Texas. For example, it links to the PDF version of form CR-3 (the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report). As the page notes, The CR-3 and CR-3 Alternate forms are only to be used by Texas law enforcement agencies.
If you were injured in an accident, contact us for a 100% free consultation.
How Long Does TxDOT Keep Crash Records?
If you’re for your Texas crash report, know that TxDOT has a 10-year retention policy for crash reports.
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Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s essential to know the proper steps to take to document the incident properly. In Austin, Texas, one crucial document previously used for the purpose of reporting a car accident was the CR-2, more commonly known as the Blue Form. This form served as a vital tool in reporting motor vehicle accidents by creating a comprehensive driver crash report. Understanding how to fill out a CR-2 form and when it was necessary could help make sure your accident was being reported properly.
What Is a CR-2 Form / Blue Form Accident Report in Texas?
The CR-2 Form (also known as the “Blue Form Accident Report” or “DPS Blue Form”), was a standardized accident report form used by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) prior to 9/1/2017 to document motor vehicle accidents. This traffic accident reporting system was an essential tool for collecting and maintaining data about accidents across Texas. The form was blue in color, hence its informal name.
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How to Fill Out a Texas Blue Form Crash Accident Report
Prior to 9/1/2017, filling out the CR-2 (Blue Form) in Texas after you were in a motor vehicle accident involved several steps. To get the most accurate picture of what happened during the accident, it was best to fill out all the sections outlined below with as many details as possible:
- Gather Information: Collect all relevant information, including the names, addresses, and insurance details of all parties involved, as well as any witnesses. Take note of the accident’s location and date.
- Describe the Accident: Provide a basic description of how the accident occurred, including the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
- Vehicle Information: Include details about the vehicles involved, such as make, model, year, and license plate numbers.
- Injuries and Damages: Note any injuries sustained by individuals involved in the accident and describe the extent of property damage.
- Diagram the Accident: While the form provides a spot for you to diagram the accident, we would advise against doing so. It can be quite difficult to accurately portray the scene of an accident in a rough diagram and it’s possible an insurance company may try to take advantage of any mistakes or inaccuracies in your drawing.
- Sign and Date: Ensure that all parties involved in the accident sign and date the form to acknowledge its accuracy.
- Submit Form: Make sure you get a copy of the completed form for your own records and provide the required information to the relevant authorities promptly. Not sure how? If you’ve been injured, contact us and we’ll help you fill it out, 100% free.
If you were in an accident in Texas, you may have needed to fill out a Texas Blue Form (CR-2 accident report). This form served as a vital tool in reporting motor vehicle accidents by creating a driver crash report. Understanding how to fill out a CR-2 Blue Form when it was necessary could help make sure your accident was being reported properly. If you have been injured in an accident, our Austin car accident attorneys at Sandoval & James are here to give you a free consultation (contact us). And if you become a client, we don’t get paid unless you win.
Do You Have to File a Police Report for a Car Accident in Texas?
Prior to 9/1/2017, the short answer was yes, you were required to file a police report in Texas after you had been in a car accident if any of the conditions mentioned below applied to your accident.
Local authorities had you fill out a Texas Blue Form (CR-2 Accident Form) when:
- There were injuries or fatalities as a result of the motor vehicle accident.
- There was property damage exceeding $1,000 or if there was damage to a vehicle that cannot be driven.
- If a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident did not have insurance coverage.
- When requested by law enforcement officers at the scene.
Who needed to fill out the CR-2 crash report form? Law enforcement at the scene of an accident will fill out a CR-3 form – also called a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report. However, if they were not present or if you were involved in a minor accident, they may have given you a CR-2 form to fill out yourself.
What Information is Included on the CR-2 Form in Texas?
When filling out a Texas CR-2 accident reporting form, you needed to be able to provide a wide range of information, including:
- Driver and passenger information
- Vehicle information
- Insurance details
- Accident description
- Injury details
- Diagram of the accident scene
What Was The Blue Form Used For in Texas?
The primary purpose of the Blue Form was to gather detailed information about motor vehicle accidents. It helped law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, Austin car crash attorneys, and other stakeholders in understanding the circumstances surrounding an accident. This data was then used for statistical analysis, research, and making improvements to traffic safety measures.
Contact A Car Accident Lawyer Near You If You Have More Questions About CR-2 Forms
Filing a CR-2 (Blue Form) accident crash report in Austin, Texas was crucial when you were involved in a motor vehicle accident prior to 9/1/2017 that meets specific criteria. By following the steps outlined above, you were able to ensure that the necessary information was accurately documented, helping to streamline your accident claim process. If you have been in a car accident or are just looking for more information about what to do next, contact our office at Sandoval & James Car Accident & Injury Attorneys in Austin online or call (512) 382-7707.
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