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While reporting a crash isn’t always necessary, doing so early can become extremely important if you later need to file insurance claims, document injuries with medical providers, or preserve evidence for a legal dispute. Knowing how to report a car accident to the police in Austin can have a major effect on the outcome of your car accident case.
About The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
Located in Austin, TX, The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, has recovered compensation for our clients’ injuries that were caused by the negligent or reckless actions of others. We represent accident victims throughout Austin and across Texas in claims involving car accidents, serious injuries, and negligent conduct.
We have helped numerous clients with cases ranging from pedestrian accidents to commercial vehicle crashes. The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, represents both English and Spanish-speaking clients 24/7 and remains dedicated to helping injured people understand their legal rights after serious accidents.
When You Need to Report a Car Accident
Under Texas statutes, any accident involving a motor vehicle and either a pedestrian or another motor vehicle necessitates a written submission to the Department of Public Safety. Motor vehicle crashes must typically be reported to law enforcement immediately after they occur if they involve injury or death. Reporting may also be required when accidents cause significant damage to vehicles or other property.
Crashes with seemingly minor injuries should still be reported when possible. Some injuries can take hours or days to become noticeable. Many injuries are not felt right away because adrenaline can temporarily dull pain. Rear-end collisions and other severe crashes can cause this effect.
Drivers should stay at the scene of a serious accident and notify law enforcement as quickly as they can. Criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident may be filed if drivers do not stay and provide their information to others involved.
In 2025, Austin reported 301 serious injuries and 99 traffic fatalities. The number of fatalities rose by 2% in comparison to 2024, but the number of serious injuries decreased by 28%. As a result, the most serious crashes decreased by 22%.
How to Report an Accident
You should call the police to report an accident if there are injuries or significant property damage. If you can do so safely, follow the steps below to gather all the information you need to share with the authorities.
Pull over to a safe location, and assess your injuries as well as those of your passengers. Call 911 if there are any injuries. Police are likely to arrive faster if you dial 911 instead of the non-emergency number. If everyone is safe and able to do so, drivers should attempt to collect the following information from the other driver:
- Full names and contact information
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance information
- Vehicle registration numbers
- License plate numbers
Take photographs of the scene if possible. You may want to record the:
- Damage to each vehicle
- Surrounding skid marks
- Road conditions
- Nearby traffic signs
- Debris in the roadway
- Weather conditions
- Visible injuries
Try to take photos before the vehicles are moved if possible.
When the police arrive, they can interview everyone involved and any witnesses before filing a crash report. Drivers should be honest and provide any information requested, but they should not speculate about who is at fault or the extent of someone’s injuries.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
A lot of people hire a car accident lawyer after being involved in a wreck with serious injuries, disputed liability, or major financial losses. Your Austin car accident attorney can:
- Look into the crash.
- Obtain police reports.
- Collect medical bills.
- Speak with insurance claims adjusters.
- Assess the overall damages involved in a car wreck claim.
Professionals such as accident reconstructionists, medical providers, or traffic consultants may also be consulted.
You may also need to hire a car accident lawyer if you do not understand car accident laws and your insurance company denies your claim, delays payment on a claim, or disputes your injuries after an accident. Many car accident claims in Austin are filed in the Travis County civil court system. The Travis County Civil Courthouse is at 1700 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701.
FAQs
Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Accident in Texas?
Texas drivers are typically required to file a report after any crash that results in injury, death, or substantial damage to any vehicle. Oftentimes, if you call the police to the scene of the crash, they send an officer who can file a crash report with key information about the accident. You can still file a report, even if you think there are no serious injuries.
What Is the Ideal Way to Report a Car Accident?
Ideally, you should move to a safe place, if possible, render first aid, and call 911, especially if medical treatment or police assistance is needed. It’s important to:
- Stick around.
- Get the necessary insurance and contact details from everyone involved.
- Document the scene with photos.
- Work with the officers.
- Stick to the facts.
- Do not speculate about who is at fault.
Can I File a Police Report Online in Austin, Texas?
Yes, sometimes. Certain eligible, non-emergency traffic incidents, including some minor traffic collisions, can be reported online through the Austin Police Department website. Collisions with injuries, DUI suspects, hit and runs, or substantial roadway obstructions typically require an officer’s response.
Drivers should consult the latest Austin Police Department publication on traffic collision reporting to see if their collision is eligible to be reported online.
How Do I Contact the Local Police for a Non-Emergency?
Austin residents usually dial the Austin Police Department’s non-emergency number for non-emergency police assistance. While motorists should only use non-emergency reporting if there are no injuries, no immediate danger, and no serious threat to public safety, some drivers can call non-emergency numbers for various incidents.
Emergency calls, such as those involving injuries, blocked lanes, suspected intoxication, or serious crashes, should be reported via 911 so that emergency crews can respond.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
If you were involved in a car accident, The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, can represent you in the legal process. Contact us today for a consultation.
