Odessa Crash Reports

According to the Texas Transportation Code, you have 10 days to file an accident report if the crash results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, and the police did not investigate the scene. You can file the report online through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) website or by mail. If you were involved in an accident in Odessa, you can also request a copy of your Odessa Police Department (OPD) crash report through their online portal.

Crash reports are required in Texas when an accident involves injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, and the police did not investigate the scene. The law enforcement officer who investigates the crash must submit a written report to TxDOT within 10 days of the date of the crash1. TxDOT collects and maintains crash records for the state of Texas and the state highway system. The state retention period for crash reports and data is 10 years plus the current year.

The following individuals or entities can obtain a copy of a crash report in Texas:

- The driver or a passenger involved in the crash
- The owner of a vehicle or property damaged in the crash
- A person who has established financial responsibility for a vehicle involved in the crash, such as an insurance company or agent
- A person who may sue because of death resulting from the crash
- A government agency that investigates the crash or has legal jurisdiction over the crash
- A representative of a radio or television station, newspaper, or other news media
- A person who provides TxDOT with two or more affidavits stating that the person needs the crash report to determine whether to bring a legal action

To obtain a copy of a crash report, you can use the Crash Report Online Purchase System or contact the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash. For example, if you were involved in an accident in Odessa, you can contact the OPD Records Unit at 432-335-3306 or visit their website to request a copy of your OPD crash report.

If you don’t file a police report after an accident in Texas, you may face legal consequences, such as fines, penalties, or criminal charges. Failing to stop or comply with the requirements of reporting a crash that results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more is a criminal offense in Texas. Depending on the severity of the crash, the offense may range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and may result in imprisonment, fines, or both. Additionally, failing to file a police report may affect your ability to file a claim with your insurance company or seek compensation from the other party involved in the crash. Therefore, it is advisable to file a police report as soon as possible after an accident in Texas.