What to do after a car accident in Fort Worth
Texas law requires drivers in a crash to stop, give their name, address, vehicle registration and insurer, render reasonable aid to anyone hurt, and immediately report crashes with injury or a disabled vehicle to the police (Transp. Code ch. 550). In Fort Worth, the officer's crash report is later bought through TxDOT's online portal.
General information about Texas law, not legal advice. The author is not a lawyer. Laws change; check the linked sources and talk to a Texas lawyer about your situation.
Stop and stay at the scene
A driver in a collision that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury or death must immediately stop, return if not stopped at the scene, check whether anyone needs aid, and remain until the information duties are met (§550.021). Not stopping is a crime; it is a felony when someone is seriously injured or killed.
For a crash with only vehicle damage, drivers must also stop and remain (§550.022). On a freeway in a metropolitan area, if every vehicle can be driven normally and safely, drivers must move to a safe location such as the frontage road or nearest cross street to exchange information (§550.022(b)).
Exchange information and render aid
Section 550.023 requires each driver to give their name and address, the vehicle's registration number and the name of their liability insurer; to show a driver's license if asked; and to provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including arranging transport for medical treatment when it is apparent that treatment is needed or the person asks (§550.023).
If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must find the owner or leave a written note with your name, address and what happened (§550.024).
Report the crash
A crash that causes injury or death, or leaves a vehicle unable to be driven normally and safely, must be reported "immediately by the quickest means of communication." Inside a city, that means the local police department (§550.026). In Fort Worth, call 911 for emergencies; the Fort Worth Police non-emergency line is 817-392-4222 (FWPD).
An officer who investigates a crash involving injury, death or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more must file a written report with TxDOT within 10 days (§550.062).
After the scene
The crash report can be bought online once it is processed; see how to get a Fort Worth police accident report. Your own policy may include PIP, which pays some medical and income losses regardless of fault unless it was rejected in writing (Ins. Code §1952.151). The general deadline to file an injury lawsuit is two years (statute of limitations guide).
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to call the police after a car accident in Texas?
Transportation Code Section 550.026 requires a driver to immediately report a collision that results in injury or death, or that leaves a vehicle unable to be normally and safely driven. Inside a city, the report goes to the local police department.
What information do drivers have to exchange in Texas?
Section 550.023 requires the driver's name and address, the vehicle registration number and the name of the liability insurer, and showing a driver's license if requested and available.
Sources
- Tex. Transp. Code ch. 550 (§§550.021–550.026, 550.062) (checked October 18, 2026)
- Fort Worth Police: get a copy of an accident report (checked October 18, 2026)
- Tex. Ins. Code §1952.151 (checked October 18, 2026)