Ask a Lawyer - Archive

Do the cops have to make an accident report after every auto collision?

Thank you for your question. In Texas, the Texas Transportation Code section 550.062 states that a law enforcement officer who in the regular course of duty investigates a motor vehicle accident shall make a written report of the accident if 1) the accident resulted in injury to or the death of a person, or 2) damage to the property of any one person to the apparent extent of $1,000 or more. Thus, investigating officers are not required to make reports after every accidents, only those that fit within the above parameters.

This fact means that reports are not issued for many minor fender-bender collisions. If you have a question about your locale's laws, please consult a local attorney.

Justin B. Demerath
O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath
Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Austin Texas Car Accident Lawyrs