When car accidents happen, they cause untold misery for victims and their families. Beyond the shock and stress of the crash itself, injured victims often face hospital bills, time off work, and ongoing pain. Part of your journey to claiming compensation is filing and obtaining an official crash report from law enforcement.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly six million traffic accidents were reported to police in 2022. While many drivers think of a police report as just an insurance formality, it’s much more than that. In Travis County and throughout Texas, filing a police report is often a legal obligation and a critical step in protecting your right to compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Police reports are required in Texas if a crash involves injuries, deaths, or $1,000+ in damage.
- Officers file reports when they respond; drivers only need to follow up if no officer arrives.
- Minor accidents under $1,000 may not require a report but exchanging info and filing online or by phone is still smart.
- Reports provide strong evidence for insurance and injury claims.
- In Austin, reports can be filed online, by phone, or in person.
- A local car accident lawyer can help secure your report and protect your rights.
When You Must File a Police Report in Texas
Under Texas Transportation Code §550.062, police officers must file a crash report if an accident involves:
- Any injury or fatality
- Property damage greater than $1,000
- A vehicle that cannot be safely driven from the scene
- A hit-and-run or suspected intoxicated driver
If an officer responds, they complete and submit the report within 10 days. Until September 1, 2017, drivers themselves were required to file a CR-2 “Blue Form” if police did not investigate, but that requirement no longer applies. Today, crash reporting is handled only by law enforcement.
For minor collisions under $1,000 with no injuries, there is generally no legal requirement for a police report. However, you should always exchange insurance information with the other driver, document the scene with photos and witness contacts, and consider filing an online or phone report for added protection in case of disputes or insurance requirements.
Why a Police Report Matters in a Personal Injury Claim
A police report serves as critical proof for your insurance claim and helps prove fault against the negligent driver. Without it, insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, Texas law allows you to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement
A police accident report provides an objective, third-party account of what happened. Insurance adjusters, judges, and juries often view this as one of the most reliable forms of evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.
When a Car Accident May Not Require Calling the Police
Not every fender-bender requires police involvement. If no one is hurt, damage is less than $1,000, and all drivers have valid insurance and agree on what happened, you may not be legally required to call an officer or file a report.
Even so, you must exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and it’s smart to document the scene thoroughly. Take photos, gather witness statements, and consider filing an online or phone report. These steps create an official record, protect you if injuries appear later, and may be required by your insurance company before processing your claim.
How to File a Police Report in Austin
If police officers do not arrive at the scene of your accident, you can still file a report directly with the Austin Police Department (APD). There are three main ways to do so:
1. File Online
Go to iReportAustin.com, select the correct type of incident, and complete the online form with your accident details. Once submitted, you will receive a unique case number that you can use for insurance and legal purposes.
2. File by Phone
Call Austin 3-1-1 or (512) 974-2000, provide your accident details to the operator, and receive a case number for your records. This option is especially helpful if you do not have email access, prefer language assistance, or need additional support.
3. File in Person
Visit any APD station with a valid photo ID, explain that you need to file a report, and complete the required forms. Filing in person is often best for hit-and-run accidents, crashes involving injuries, or when the other driver is suspected of criminal activity.
No matter which method you choose, filing a police report ensures that your accident is officially documented and can play a key role in protecting your insurance claim and personal injury case in Texas.
Essential Information to Include in Your Police Report
The strength of your police report depends on how accurate and detailed it is. A clear and comprehensive report provides insurance companies, attorneys, and courts with a reliable record of what happened and can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
The best time to gather information is at the accident scene while everything is still fresh. Be sure to note the date, time, and location of the crash, collect contact and insurance information for all drivers, record vehicle descriptions, take photos of the scene, and write down any witness statements. Submitting this information as soon as possible helps ensure your report supports your insurance claim or personal injury case.
Providing Evidence: Photos, Videos, and Witness Accounts
The accident scene is often the best place to collect valuable evidence before it is lost or altered. Along with taking photos and videos on your phone, try to gather statements from any witnesses who saw what happened. Their accounts can provide critical support for your insurance claim or personal injury case.
When documenting the scene, aim to capture details that clearly show how the accident happened. Focus your photos on the most important evidence, including visible injuries, vehicle damage, traffic signs, skid marks, and road conditions.
Understanding Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns
In Texas, police reports are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). However, not every part of a crash report is available to the public. To protect sensitive information, details such as the identities of minors, ongoing investigations, or personal data are often redacted.
Full access to a complete accident report is typically limited to the people directly involved in the crash, their attorneys, and their auto insurance companies. For this reason, you are usually required to provide a valid photo ID and proof of your connection to the accident before obtaining more than just the public version of the report.
After Filing a Police Report: Next Steps
Filing your police accident report is just one step in the process of holding an at-fault driver accountable and pursuing your legal right to compensation. After filing your report, the burden is on you to follow up on the investigation and obtain the full official copy of the report.
What Happens After Your Report is Filed?
After submitting your report, the APD will review the information you provided and assign you a case number. Your case number allows you to track the progress of your report.
Depending on the nature of the crash, an officer may be assigned to investigate. If this happens, you may be contacted for additional information or clarification. After this, you should see a finalized report available within a few business days.
Obtaining a Copy of Your Police Report
After your official report becomes available, you can get a copy online, in person, over the phone, or by mail. In all cases, there is a fee of $6 for an uncertified copy and $8 for a certified copy.
- Online: Order through the LexisNexis Police Reports system
- In Person: Visit the APD Report Sales Unit at 715 E 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: Call the APD Report Sales Office at (512) 974-5499
- Mail: Send a stamped and self-addressed envelope with payment to the APD Report Sales, PO Box 689001, Austin, TX 78768
The fastest method is online since the process is instant. Ordering by mail may take several business days or longer.
Contacting an Officer for Follow-Up Questions
If you believe the final report contains errors, you have the option to contact the assigned officer and provide additional evidence. Use your unique case reference number when making inquiries.
You can reach the officer directly through the main APD line at (512) 974-2000 for general questions if you are unsure who to contact. Keep in mind that officers are not required to make changes to their reports.
How DJC Law Helps Local Accident Victims
At DJC Law, we proudly serve Texans by holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for the compensation injury victims deserve. We handle every part of the claims process, from gathering police reports and evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and going to trial when needed.
With over $400 million recovered for clients, our track record speaks for itself. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call 512-888-9999 today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help you get justice.
Securing Compensation Through Proper Documentation
Strong evidence is the foundation of every successful personal injury case. A police report is one of the most important pieces of that evidence, but it is only the beginning. Additional documentation such as medical records, accident photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction reports can all strengthen your case.
Conclusion: Empowering Residents Through Proper Reporting
Filing your police report does not have to be complicated. Working with an experienced car accident attorney ensures you receive the legal guidance needed to obtain your report and begin building a strong claim.
With a 99 percent case success rate, DJC Law is one of the most effective personal injury law firms in Texas. Do not allow yourself to be left with the burden of medical bills and losses because of another driver’s negligence. To begin your claim and get the justice you deserve, schedule a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filing Police Reports
Can I file a police report anonymously using the online reporting system?
No. The Austin Police Department only allows anonymous crime tips through Capital Area Crime Stoppers. An official police report requires authentic contact information.
What if I change my mind after filing?
If you made an error or omission, you could request a correction through the APD’s Records Division by providing additional evidence. Officers may accept or deny the request.
What’s the time limit for filing police reports after a car accident?
In Texas, crash reports must be filed within 10 days if an accident involves injury, death, a disabled vehicle, or property damage over $1,000. When the police respond, they handle the report and submit it to TxDOT. Since 2017, drivers are no longer required to file the old CR-2 “Blue Form,” though timely reporting remains essential for legal compliance and insurance claims.
