In plain English
- Every driver involved in a crash must stop, give their information and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
- Crashes involving injury, death, or damage that leaves a vehicle undrivable must be reported to police immediately.
- Crash reports are confidential, with unredacted copies released only to people with a direct interest (§550.065).
Duties at the scene
| Section | Duty |
|---|---|
| §550.021 | A driver involved in a crash that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury or death must stop at or as close as possible to the scene, return if necessary, determine whether anyone needs aid and remain until the duties in §550.023 are met. Breaking this rule is a felony. |
| §550.022 | For crashes that only damage a vehicle, the driver must stop and remain until §550.023 is met, and move the vehicle out of traffic when that's safe and possible. |
| §550.023 | Give name, address, vehicle registration number and liability insurer; show a driver's license if asked; provide reasonable assistance to an injured person, including arranging transport for medical treatment. |
| §550.024 | Duties when striking an unattended vehicle: locate the owner or leave a written notice. |
| §550.026 | Report a crash involving injury, death or a vehicle that can't be driven safely to the local police department, sheriff or nearest DPS office by the quickest means. |
Read the official text at statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
Officer crash reports
Law enforcement officers who investigate qualifying crashes complete the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3) and submit it to TxDOT, which keeps the statewide crash records system.
Who can get an unredacted report (§550.065)
- a person involved in the crash, or their authorized representative;
- the owner of a vehicle or property damaged in the crash;
- a driver's employer, parent or legal guardian;
- an insurer that issued a policy covering a vehicle involved, or someone covered by such a policy;
- a news media organization;
- a government agency, and certain other people listed in the statute.
Others can receive a copy with personal information redacted. Use the crash report finder to order one.
Commercial drivers
Truck drivers have these duties plus federal ones, such as warning devices and post-accident testing. See what truck drivers must do after a crash.