Car accidents are stressful events that can have long-term consequences on your driving record, insurance premiums, and overall financial situation. If you’ve been involved in an accident in Texas, you’re likely wondering how long it will stay on your record and how it could affect you in the future. The good news is that a skilled car accident lawyer Houston can guide you through the process and help reduce the impact of the accident on your record.
In this blog, we’ll explain how long accidents stay on your record in Texas, how they affect you, and how you can manage the situation effectively.
Duration of Accidents on Your Record
In Texas, accidents generally remain on your driving record for three years, depending on severity, fault, and violations. Law enforcement must submit an official accident report under Texas Transportation Code §550.062, Officer’s Accident Report. A law firm can help minimize long-term impacts on your driving record.
At-Fault Accidents
At-fault accidents typically stay on your record for three years and may increase insurance premiums. Texas Transportation Code §601.053 requires filing a report, which insurers and the DPS use. An attorney can help negotiate with insurers to reduce these effects.
Traffic Violation Accidents
Accidents involving violations like speeding or running a red light also remain on your record for three years. Points may be added under §521.292, which allows the DPS to suspend your license if too many points accumulate. A lawyer can help contest violations or reduce points.
Not at Fault Accidents
Even non-fault accidents may appear on your record, but usually have minimal insurance impact. Texas Transportation Code §550.061 requires reporting accidents with property damage or injury, noting fault. A law firm can gather evidence to ensure your rates are not unfairly affected.
Minimizing the Impact on Driving Record
While accidents will remain on your record for a certain period, there are steps you can take to minimize the legal and financial impact.
1. Disputing Fault:
If you believe the other party was at fault, Texas law provides mechanisms for disputing your liability. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001 allows for the modified comparative negligence rule, where fault is divided based on the facts of the case, potentially reducing your responsibility. A law firm can help you contest a determination of fault, especially if the evidence isn’t clear-cut or if you were unfairly blamed.
2. Defensive Driving Course:
In Texas, you may be able to reduce points on your driving record or dismiss certain traffic violations by taking an approved defensive driving course. Texas Transportation Code §543.001 authorizes these courses, and completing one can help minimize the impact of an accident or violation on your driving record, subject to approval by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
3. Expungement of Accident Records:
Although accident records typically stay on your driving record for three years, in some cases, a person may be able to get the record expunged or sealed. However, this usually applies only in specific circumstances, such as if the accident was not your fault and there was no violation.
4. Filing an Accident Report:
Under Texas Transportation Code §601.004, if you are involved in an accident that is not investigated by law enforcement and results in injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage, you must file a written report. Filing this report ensures the collision details are documented, which helps establish responsibility and protect your driving history.
How a Law Firm Can Help Remove an Accident
Accidents usually stay on your driving record for three years, but a car accident lawyer Houston firm can help reduce their impact or potentially remove them. Legal support can guide you through courses, record corrections, insurance negotiations, or proving fault to protect your driving history.
- Defensive Driving Course
- Eligibility: A lawyer can determine if you qualify to take a defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic violation.
- Benefits: Completing the course prevents points on your record, helping keep insurance premiums low.
- Eligibility: A lawyer can determine if you qualify to take a defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic violation.
- Expungement or Record Correction
- Expungement: Some accidents can be removed from your record, especially if you weren’t at fault or special circumstances apply.
- Legal Support: Attorneys can help remove errors or assess if expungement is possible.
- Expungement: Some accidents can be removed from your record, especially if you weren’t at fault or special circumstances apply.
- Negotiating with Your Insurance Company
- Insurance Adjustments: Lawyers can negotiate lower rates or discounts after an accident.
- Reducing Future Impact: They ensure factors like safe driving or accident forgiveness are considered by insurers.
- Insurance Adjustments: Lawyers can negotiate lower rates or discounts after an accident.
- Proving You Were Not at Fault
- Lawyers can gather evidence, witness statements, reports, and photos to show you weren’t at fault, reducing insurance impact or even removing the accident from your record.
What Happens After Three Years?
Once three years have passed since the accident, it generally no longer appears on your driving record in Texas. After this time:
- Insurance Rates May Normalize: Assuming you’ve maintained a clean driving history since the accident, your premiums will likely decrease over time.
- No Further Reporting Required: After three years, you no longer need to report the accident when applying for new insurance or renewing your policy.
What if You’re Involved in Multiple Accidents?
Having multiple accidents on your record can significantly affect your insurance and driving privileges. Insurers may see you as high risk, leading to higher premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage. Repeated accidents can also add points to your license, result in suspensions, or require driver improvement courses, impacting both your driving record and certain job opportunities.
How a Law Firm Can Help with Multiple Accidents:
- Finding Alternative Insurance: If you’ve had multiple accidents, a car accident lawyer Houston can help you find an insurance policy that suits your needs and ensures you’re not paying excessive premiums.
- Disputing Unfair Premium Hikes: A lawyer can assist you in disputing any unjust premium increases due to multiple accidents and may help you find ways to lower your insurance costs.
Don’t Wait: Take Action
In Texas, accidents usually remain on your driving record for three years and can affect insurance premiums and driving privileges. Egbuonu Law can help minimize the impact by negotiating with insurers, guiding you on defensive driving, or, in some cases, removing the accident from your record. Seeking legal advice ensures your rights are protected and helps prevent long-term consequences.
