When & Why You Need to Call the Police—Even for Minor Crashes in San Antonio

Car accidents—even the ones that seem minor—can quickly turn complicated. A little fender-bender on I-10 or a slow-speed collision near the Pearl may not seem like a big deal at first, but failing to call the police can come back to haunt you later.

In Texas, and especially here in San Antonio, calling law enforcement after a car accident isn’t just smart—it’s often required.

When Are You Legally Required to Call the Police in Texas?

Under Texas Transportation Code §550.026, you are required to report an accident to the police if:

Anyone is injured or killed, or
There’s property damage of $1,000 or more
That threshold can be vague, especially when modern vehicles are involved—repairs can easily exceed $1,000 even with seemingly minor dents or bumper damage.

Why You Should Call the Police—Even If It Seems Minor

Even when you’re not legally required to call, here’s why you absolutely should:

Creates an Official Record: The police officer’s report becomes a neutral third-party account of what happened. Insurance companies rely heavily on this document when deciding fault and whether to pay claims. Without it, you’re left with your word against the other driver’s—and stories often change.
Protects You From False Claims: We’ve seen it happen: both drivers agree “no need to call the police,” then days later, the other driver claims they were injured or that you were at fault. Without an official report, it’s harder to dispute a fabricated version of events.
Helps With Insurance Claims: Most insurance companies expect a police report, especially when property damage or injuries are involved. No report = delays, lower offers, or denied claims.
Documents Hidden Injuries: After a crash, adrenaline can mask pain. What feels like a sore neck today could become a serious whiplash injury tomorrow. Having a police report on record strengthens any future claim if medical symptoms show up later.

What to Do at the Scene in San Antonio

Call 911 – Even if no one appears hurt, request an officer to document the scene.
Exchange info – Get names, contact details, and insurance information.
Document the damage – Take photos of vehicles, surroundings, and any injuries.
Stay calm and stick to the facts – Never admit fault at the scene. Let the investigation (and the law) handle that.

Tip: Ask for the SAPD Case Number

If the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) responds, request the officer’s name, badge number, and the case or incident number so you can request the report later.

You can request an SAPD crash report through the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System.