Why You Should File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Texas
After a car accident, it’s common for one of the drivers (usually the one at fault) to suggest exchanging information and then going separate ways. Even if you are the injury victim, you might have somewhere to be and not be excited at the thought of calling the police, waiting around for them to show up, and then having to answer questions. But calling the police after a crash is important for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is often required by law. Below we dive into when calling the police is required and why it’s a good idea after any car accident. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash in Texas, call Turley Law Firm in Dallas for guidance and help from a team of experienced and successful Texas personal injury attorneys.
Reasons to File a Police Report for Your Injury Claim
Calling the police to the scene of the accident can be helpful to your personal injury claim. You’ll likely be calling your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer after the crash in hopes of getting compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other harm inflicted on you by the crash. Having a police report in hand can help you on this mission.
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Documentation of Facts – After a car accident, memories can become foggy and accounts can differ. A police report serves as an unbiased third-party account of what occurred. It documents important information such as the names of the drivers involved, their insurance details, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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Facilitates Insurance Process – Your insurance company will most likely ask for a copy of the police report when you file a claim. This document can help speed up the claims process, making it easier for you to receive your compensation.
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Essential Evidence in Personal Injury Cases – If you choose to pursue a personal injury claim, the police report could serve as a critical piece of evidence. It may include the officer’s observations, diagrams of the crash scene, and even a preliminary fault assessment, all of which can bolster your case.
Procedure for Filing a Police Report in Texas
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Contact Law Enforcement: If anyone is injured and requires medical attention, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, you can call the non-emergency line for the local police or sheriff’s department.
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Wait for the Officer: Remain at the scene until an officer arrives. Provide a detailed and honest account of what happened.
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Collect Information: While waiting, it’s wise to gather information from the other driver(s), witnesses, and take photos if possible.
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Review the Report: Once the officer completes the report, review it for accuracy. Ask how you can get a copy for your records.
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File with Texas DOT: If police did not come to the scene, you should file a report yourself with the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days.
Let Turley Law Firm Be Your Guide and Your Voice After a Car Accident in Texas
Whether a report was filed or not, an experienced Texas personal injury attorney can discuss what happened, advise you on your options, and pursue your claim as appropriate, helping you get a full and fair amount of compensation for your injuries.
If you or a family member has been injured in a Texas car crash, please contact the Turley Law Firm online or call 214-691-4025 or email turley@wturley.com today to schedule your free consultation. Our passionate Dallas attorneys serve clients throughout Texas and multiple Southern and Southwestern states.
