Author: Shelby Benavidez
Contributing Attorney: John Sydow, attorney
Dealing with the aftermath of a car wreck is overwhelming. Between medical appointments, vehicle repairs, missed work, and insurance calls, it can feel like everything is happening at once. On top of that, many drivers have another lingering concern: How will this crash affect my driving record?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, understanding how a crash report can impact your driving record is critical. Your driving history can influence everything from your auto insurance rates to employment opportunities, and in some cases, even your professional license.
Let’s break down how crash reports work in Texas, what goes on your record, how long it stays there, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Is a Crash Report?
When law enforcement responds to a motor vehicle collision in Texas, the investigating officer completes a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report. The crash report typically includes the date, time, and location of the accident, names and contact information for drivers involved, insurance information, vehicle descriptions, etc. This report is submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
TxDOT stores these crash reports in a statewide database. While crash reports are not automatically visible to the public, they can be accessed by authorized parties such as insurance companies, attorneys, and those directly involved in the accident.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your official driving record, which includes traffic convictions, license suspensions, and other moving violations.
It’s important to understand that TxDot stores crash reports, while DPS maintains your driving record. However, the two systems can intersect, especially if the crash results in a citation or conviction.
What Is a Permanent Driving Record?
In Texas, your “permanent driving record” refers to the official record maintained by DPS that documents your driving history. This record may include traffic tickets and convictions, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, points, DUI/DWI convictions, and failure to maintain insurance.
You can request a copy of your driving record directly from DPS through their online system.
Impacts of a Car Accident on Your Driving Record
Not every accident automatically damages your driving record. You usually have to be found at fault or receive a citation. However, a crash can affect you in several ways.
1. Traffic Citations and Criminal Consequences
If you are found at fault for a crash and issued a citation, such as speeding, reckless driving, or running a red light, it can appear on your driving record if it results in a conviction.
In more serious situations, crashes involving DWIs, hit-and-runs, or driving without insurance can lead to criminal charges. Criminal convictions tied to a traffic offense can significantly impact your record and potentially result in a suspension of your license.
In Texas, accumulating multiple traffic convictions within a short period can also trigger license suspension or surcharges.
2. Insurance Rate Increases
One of the most immediate impacts of a crash is on your auto insurance premiums.
Insurance companies evaluate risk. If you are found at fault for an accident, insurers may categorize you as a high-risk driver and, therefore, may choose not to insure you at all or raise your premiums. The severity of the increase may depend on the severity of the crash, property damage, your prior driving history, and your carrier’s underwriting policies.
In Texas, drivers with a clean record generally pay lower premiums. An at-fault accident can result in rate increases of 20% to 35%, sometimes more for severe crashes. Even in not-at-fault collisions, some insurers may adjust rates depending on claim frequency, though Texas law limits certain unfair rate increases.
3. Employment and Background Checks
Many employers conduct background checks that include driving history, especially for positions involving commercial driving, rideshare or delivery services, and government employment. A crash linked to a moving violation could impact your eligibility for driving-related jobs.
Additionally, certain professional licensing boards review applicants’ criminal and driving histories. For example, professions such as law, medicine, or commercial trucking may scrutinize serious driving offenses.
A single minor accident likely won’t derail your career. However, repeated violations or serious offenses can raise concerns for employers.
How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on Your Driving Record in Texas?
Generally, accidents and traffic violations remain on your driving record for three to five years in Texas, depending on the circumstances. For insurance purposes, most companies review your driving history within a three-year window when calculating premiums.
More serious offenses, such as DWI convictions, may remain visible for much longer – sometimes permanently. If you’re unsure how long a specific incident will affect you, you can request your official driving record from DPS.
Will Premiums Rise if You Weren’t At Fault?
If you were not found at fault for the crash, it generally shouldn’t negatively affect your driving record, but it could still impact your rates. It’s important to report the accident to your insurance company and obtain a copy of the crash report in case liability is disputed.
Mistakes happen. If a crash report incorrectly lists fault or includes inaccurate information, you may be able to challenge it. Consulting with a Texas car accident attorney can help protect your rights, especially if injuries or significant damages are involved.
Removing an Accident from Your Driving Record
In most cases, you can’t remove an accident from your driving record entirely if it resulted in a valid conviction. However, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to take a defensive driving course, seek deferred adjudication, or contest the citation in court.
Protecting Your Record After a Crash
Being in a car accident can turn your world upside down. But one accident doesn’t automatically define your driving future. The key is knowing what actually goes on your record and what doesn’t. If you were injured in an accident at no fault of your own and insurance is trying to pin the blame on you, seek help from a qualified car accident attorney. They can help gather evidence to prove liability, secure full value from your injury, and save you thousands in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Driving Records
¿Cómo puede un informe de accidente afectar mi historial de manejo?
A crash report itself does not automatically place negative marks on your driving record. However, if the accident results in a traffic citation or criminal conviction, that violation can appear on your record and impact insurance rates, employment opportunities, and your driver’s license status.
Does every car accident go on my driving record in Texas?
No. A car accident typically only affects your official driving record if it results in a citation or conviction recorded by DPS.
Will my insurance go up if I wasn’t at fault?
In most cases, insurance rates increase after at-fault accidents. Your rates typically shouldn’t rise significantly if you were not at fault for an accident, though some insurers consider overall claim frequency. If you constantly file claims, even under comprehensive coverage, your rates will likely rise.
How long will an at-fault accident affect my insurance?
Most insurance companies look at the past three to five years when setting premiums. During that time, an at-fault accident may increase your rates. After that window passes, rates often stabilize if no additional violations occur.
Can I dispute a crash report in Texas?
Yes. If you believe the crash report contains inaccurate information, you may submit a supplemental statement or work with an attorney to address discrepancies. Acting quickly is important.
Should I hire an attorney if I wasn’t at fault?
If injuries or disputed fault are involved, we highly recommend consulting with a Texas car accident attorney. An attorney can help ensure the crash does not unfairly impact your driving record or insurance rates.
