Texas Accidents Policy

Reporting an Accident in Texas

By Texas law, a driver must report an accident in which he or she was involved no later than ten days after the date of the accident if the accident has not already been investigated by a law enforcement officer, and at least one person sustained bodily injury or death or property damage of at least $1,000.

If the driver is physically unable to make the report then the owner of the vehicle should make the report no later than ten days after the date the owner finds out about the accident.

An accident report must be in writing as stated by the department and it must contain information which enables the department to determine if the requirements for the deposit of security do not apply because of the existence of insurance or an exception allowed by the Texas Transportation Code. Whoever files the report must also provide any additional information required by the department. The department relies on the accuracy of the information in a report unless it has reason to believe the information is incorrect.

Someone who fails to make an accident report could have his or her license suspended if someone else sustained bodily injury, death, or property damage. The suspension stays in affect until a date set by the department and no later than thirty days after the day the report is made. Knowingly providing false information on an accident report can result in a fine of up to $1,000, jail time of up to one year, or both.

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