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.
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