Texas Transportation Code § 550.026 –
When to Report an Accident
Table of Contents
Statutory Text:
§ 550.026(a):
The operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or damage to a vehicle that prevents normal and safe operation must immediately notify:
The local police department (if in a municipality)
The sheriff’s office (if outside city limits)
The nearest law enforcement agency (if on a highway)
Failure to report is a criminal offense under Texas law.
What Accidents Must Be Reported in Texas?
You are required to report a crash if it results in:
Injury to any person
Death
Vehicle damage that makes it unsafe or illegal to drive away
If your vehicle cannot be driven safely or someone is hurt, you must report the incident immediately.
How to Report an Accident
Call 911 or the non-emergency line for local law enforcement
Remain at the scene until officers arrive
Provide all required information under § 550.023
Cooperate with the investigation
Example Scenario
You rear-end another driver at a red light.
Their bumper is crushed, and their car cannot move.
Even if no one appears injured, you must report the accident under § 550.026.
Failure to do so can result in:
A misdemeanor citation
A license suspension
Loss of insurance coverage or denial of claim
Civil & Criminal Implications
Not reporting may be treated as evidence of negligence
May impact fault determinations
Can result in criminal penalties, including fines and license points
Related Statutes
§ 550.021 – Duty to Stop for Injury or Death
§ 550.023 – Exchange Information and Render Aid
§ 601.004 – Crash Report Filing Requirements
Texas Case Law Interpreting § 550.026
Court held that failure to report, even in minor injury cases, is a strict liability offense under § 550.026.
Frequently Asked Questions About § 550.026
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
If there is injury, death, or disabling vehicle damage, you must immediately report the crash to law enforcement.
You do not have to report the accident under § 550.026, but you may still be required to file a blue form (CR-2) under other rules.
You can be charged with a misdemeanor, and your license or insurance could be affected.
If reporting is required, yes. Leaving the scene before reporting can lead to charges under other statutes, like § 550.021 or § 550.024.
Reinforced that governments are not liable unless they knew of the condition and failed to warn.