The Impact of a Car Accident on Your Record in Texas
Posted on Friday, July 26th, 2024 at 7:25 pm
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Once the initial stress of an accident has passed, most accident victims wonder how long the crash stays on their record. It can be overwhelming to cope with physical injury, medical expenses, and vehicle repairs. Worrying about the impact of an accident affecting your driving record can make it even more exhausting. You may wonder whether your insurance premiums will go up, whether or not who is at fault matters, and how to mitigate the damage of a crash on your record.
At Portner Bond, PLLC, we understand the anxiety you might be facing. Our experienced Beaumont car accident attorneys help you understand the impact of a collision on your record – and on your insurance premiums – so you can better navigate the aftermath of a Texas car accident.
Your Texas Driving Record
Texas tracks car accident information in several different ways. First, officers must file a report if they call law enforcement after an accident. This crash report can provide you and the insurance company with valuable information about the accident. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) also receives the report. TxDOT adds these reports to a database where it stores Texas’ permanent driving records.
Who Can Access Your Records?
Your driving record typically includes information about your driving history, accident history, traffic violations, tickets, and license suspensions. The information contained in your driving record is not accessible to just anyone. According to Texas law, only certain parties can access crash reports and driving records. These include:
- The parties involved in the crash
- The law enforcement agency employing the officer who filed the report
- An employer, parent, or legal guardian of someone involved in the crash
- The owner of a vehicle or other property damaged in the collision
When To Report an Accident to Local Authorities?
Some people believe that if they do not involve law enforcement and try to handle things “driver to driver,” they can avoid having the accident on their driving record. However, Texas mandates that drivers involved in accidents must report collisions to the local police department when the crash involves:
- Injury or death
- Damage to a vehicle to the extent that the vehicle cannot be safely driven away from the crash scene
- Apparent damage to the extent of $1,000 or more
It’s also important to report an accident if you are injured. If another driver caused the crash, a police report will document all evidence an officer finds at the scene, including witness statements. Such information is crucial for successful personal injury claims.
Finally, the Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains driving records for all licensed Texas drivers. The agency allows you to request a copy of your driving record online or by mail.
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record?
The good news is that a car accident won’t remain on your record forever, although it does take time. The time a crash stays on your driving record also varies by state; in Texas, accidents stay on your record for three years.
You can stay on top of your insurance rates and other potential issues by regularly reviewing your driving record. For example, if it’s been over three years since a crash, pull a copy of your driving record and ensure the accident has dropped off before shopping for an insurance carrier or adjusting your current policy. You don’t want an old accident to hurt your chances of getting the best price on insurance coverage.
The Impact of a Car Accident on Your Record in Texas
Unfortunately, an accident on your driving record can negatively impact you in several ways, such as if you received a ticket or were at fault for a crash. You may face legal or criminal consequences for your actions, like fines, a civil lawsuit, and jail time. Your driver’s license may also be suspended depending on the circumstances of the crash. Collisions, traffic violations, and license suspensions end up on your driving record and can impact you later.
One of the ways these issues can hurt you is through an increase in your insurance premiums. Watch any insurance company commercial today, and you’ll notice a push towards “safe driving” programs in exchange for insurance rate discounts because people with clean driving records cost insurance companies less money. At-fault drivers usually face higher insurance premiums, sometimes even past the three years a crash stays on your driving record.
Usually, if you were not at fault for the crash, its appearance on your record won’t negatively impact you. But if you have many accidents on your record, insurance companies may see you as more “accident-prone.” They tend to justify rate increases by saying that drivers involved in crashes are riskier to cover and should, therefore, pay higher premiums.
A record of numerous accidents or traffic violations on your driving record can also impact your livelihood. A poor driving record makes it highly challenging to find work in fields where the position requires driving. You may even have difficulties applying for positions that do not require the operation of a motor vehicle if you have traffic violations on your record that are criminal offenses (which may include unpaid fines for civil violations).
A Beaumont Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Careless driving can cost you more than you think. The legal team at Portner Bond, PLLC can help you understand the impact of an accident on your driving record. And if you were injured in a crash, we can help you pursue fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you have experienced. We can:
- Investigate the crash to determine if the other driver was entirely to blame
- Negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer for a fair settlement
- Handle communications with your own insurance provider
- Take your case to trial if it becomes the best way to pursue full compensation
Contact us today if another driver caused an accident that led to your injuries online or by calling (409) 838-4444 to request a free legal consultation. Our law firm is here to help you regain your feet, answer your questions, and pursue the justice you deserve.