Is there a Police Report Available For My Car Accident?
To get a police report after a car accident in the Austin area, you must make sure that there is a report, there will only be a police report if either they responded to the scene or if someone reported the accident directly to the police sometime after leaving the scene, typically this is one or both of the drivers. In fact, while many people fail to do so, Texas law actually requires that most car accidents be reported to the Texas Department of Transportation within ten days of the crash if police did not respond to the scene. This is true even if police were called and requested but did not respond. If however, no one was injured and the property damage is less than $1,000, a report does not need to be filed.
Filing a report with the DOT in Texas
To file a car crash report with the DOT in Texas, you will need to file what is referred to as a CR-2 form or blue form. This is the only way Travis County allows you to report a car accident. Travis County may respond to the scene of an accident, but they will fill out the CR-3 form, which is standardized for the state of Texas which can be found here.
What Should I fill Out on Form CR-2
When completing the Crash Report form or Form CR-2, it will request that you provide the following information, so it may be worth gathering this information before starting the process.
- Place and time of accident
- The name, address, and date of birth of all motor vehicle operators involved in the accident
- The driver license information (State of license, license number) of all motor vehicle operators involved in the accident
- The driver’s license plate number and state of all motor vehicle operators involved in the accident
- The name and address of all policy holders and the name of their insurance
- The name and address of all registered vehicle owners of motor vehicles involved in the accident
- A summary of what happened during the motor vehicle accident
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
Also, if the person injured in the car accident is unable to complete the form due to their injuries or other reasons, it may be permissible for their insurance agent, the owner of the vehicle, or their legal representative to complete the form for them.