Dealing with the aftermath of a car wreck is tough enough with all the physical and financial challenges you’re facing. To make matters worse, a car crash can linger on your driving record.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Texas, here’s how a collision can affect your record and its long-term implications.
What is a permanent driving record?
In Texas, information about car crashes is recorded in a few ways, with different state authorities maintaining permanent driving records for motorists.
- When a law enforcement officer investigates your motor vehicle collision in Texas, they are required to fill out and submit a crash report to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). TxDOT stores these reports in a database and they make up your permanent record. This permanent driving record includes details like your driving history, crashes, traffic violations, speeding tickets, license suspensions, and other citations. Access to these crash report records is limited to specific parties under Texas regulations.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) also maintains permanent driving records for all licensed Texans. To get a copy of your driving record, you can request one online from the DPS webpage.
How can your driving record negatively impact you in Texas?
Because Texas tracks driving records in a few different ways, there are different areas where a car crash could affect you and your future.
1. Criminal record.
Any crash that was your fault has the potential to go on your criminal record. Additionally, if you have unpaid fines for civil violations, they may escalate to criminal citations.
Accumulating four or more convictions within a year could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
2. Career background checks.
Citations or arrests for traffic violations on your driving record can make it tougher for you to get a job.
Employers often conduct thorough background checks on job applicants, including a review of their driving records. Around 70% of employers screen potential hires in this manner, especially for driving-related positions such as cab driving, rideshare services, and truck driving. A history of crashes on your record could prevent employers from hiring you.
Plus, convictions for impaired and reckless driving can complicate obtaining professional licenses. State boards overseeing licensed professions like law or medicine may reject licensure applications due to a poor driving history with multiple citations or arrests.
3. Increasing auto insurance costs.
Individuals with clean driving records generally enjoy more affordable insurance rates. However, insurance companies often raise premiums following a crash. This adjustment is based on the perceived risk of the driver causing future accidents, leading to higher premiums for those with a history of citations, arrests, or at-fault accidents.
Various factors such as age, location, and driving history play a role in determining the extent of the premium increase, potentially resulting in a surge of up to 35% if you have a poor driving record. Insurers may raise rates for specific coverages even if you weren’t at fault for the collision.
How long does a car wreck stay on your record in Texas?
Fortunately, vehicle collisions and violations don’t linger on your motor vehicle record forever. Typically, car crashes remain on your driving record around three to five years in Texas.
Knowing when a crash is removed from your records can help you avoid overpaying for car insurance. Following a collision, your insurance rates could fluctuate for three to five years based on the collision’s severity and type, as well as your insurer’s policies.
What if you weren’t at fault for the collision?
If you are not responsible for a crash, it should not have a negative impact on your driving record. Nevertheless, it’s still important to report the incident to your insurance provider for coverage of any damages to your vehicle.
When you’re involved in a car crash that isn’t your fault, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified Texas personal injury attorney. A skilled car accident lawyer will help you understand your legal options and make sure a crash does not negatively affect your driving record.
