Getting help in Austin, Texas

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Traffic Collisions

if you are involved in a collision....

...with injuries to persons or damage to vehicle which renders it immobile:

CALL 911.

If possible, get all people out of the roadway and to a safe location.

... with no injuries and only minor damage to vehicle:

You do not need to call 911.

Move your vehicle out of the road to a safe location.

Exchange information with other drivers to include:
*Name
*Driver's License Number
*Address and Phone Number
*Insurance Information (policy number, agent's name and phone number)
*Vehicle description (make, model, license plate, registration number)

If there is damage greater than $500.00 and/or injury, and you did not contact law enforcement, OR the law enforcement officer requests that you fill out a "Blue Form," you are required by law to report the collision via Blue Form to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

It is the officers decision whether or not to take a report. An officer is not required to take a report.

What is a Blue Form?

Diver's confidential accident report.
A Blue Form is an acceptable form of documentation for insurance purposes in the State of Texas.
You can download a Blue Form: http://www.tsdps.state.tx.us/forms

What if I am involved in a "Leaving the Scene Collision?

Try to get a description of vehicle and license plate number.

Try to get a description of the driver.

Try to get witness information (anyone who may have seen the accident and who could identify the driver that left the scene).

If you have to follow the vehicle that hit you to get the above information, do so, but do not chase them and do return as soon as possible to the scene of the accident. Do not confront the other driver.

Call 911 to make a report.

A detective will review your case. If you were able to get the information listed above, they will investigate your case. This will probably consist of you needing to view a photo line-up to see if you can identify the suspect driver.

If you (or a witness) cannot positively identify the driver from his Line-up, no charges can be filed. Do not assume that the registered owner of the suspect vehicle was the driver that left the scene.

What information is available regarding collisions?

While information from the collision is public record, this information CANNOT be given out over the phone.

You may obtain a copy of the collision report in person from the Central Records Division of the Austin Police Department, Police Headquarters Building, 715 E. 8th St., Austin, TX 78701.

You will need to include a collision report #, a check/money order made out to the City of Austin for $4.00 for each needed, an a self -addressed-stamped envelope.