After getting injured in a Texas car accident, you may be facing mounting medical bills and other expenses. State law allows you to pursue an injury claim against the responsible party to help address these losses. However, just because you file a claim doesn’t mean you will get the compensation you need.
To give yourself the best chance of obtaining a fair offer in a car accident claim, you will need to gather extensive evidence to support your case. One of the most important pieces of evidence in many accident claims is a Texas police report. Here’s how you can obtain one of these reports for your case.
Promptly Report the Accident to Authorities
According to the Texas Transportation Code, you are required to report an accident to law enforcement as soon as possible if the collision involved death, a significant injury, or substantial property damage. Since you are required to report any accident involving at least $1,000 of property damage, that effectively means most accidents should be reported in Texas.
Even the cost to repair a bumper or replace a side panel can be more than $1,000 on most cars. Additionally, since two vehicles are involved in most accidents, it is even easier to meet that minimum threshold. Even if you aren’t certain that the accident meets the reporting threshold, it is generally safer to report it than not.
The easiest way to report your accident is to call 911. The 911 operator should direct your call to city police, a county sheriff, or the Texas Highway Patrol, as is appropriate for the location of your accident.
Obtain the Crash Report Number From an Officer on the Scene
When a police officer arrives at the scene, they will typically begin an investigation. This investigation involves getting the contact and insurance information for every related party and doing a cursory analysis of fault. All of that information is then added to a crash report that the police officer creates.
While you won’t be able to get a copy of the police report at the accident scene, you can ask the police officer for information about the report. When there is an opportunity, ask the police officer for their name, identification number, and the crash report number.
This information can make it easier for you or your Texas car accident lawyer to get a copy of the police report later.
Request the Report
You can purchase a copy of the crash report from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). To purchase a copy of the report, you just need to submit an online request form.
A regular copy usually costs $6, and a certified copy costs $8. You will need a certified copy if you want to use the information for legal proceedings, like a lawsuit.
Eligibility to Obtain a Texas Car Accident Report
Not everyone is eligible to obtain a copy of a Texas car accident report. In most cases, you may only request a copy of a car accident report if you are an appropriately interested party. This means that you can request a copy if you are any of the following:
- The driver or owner of a vehicle involved in the accident
- A passenger of any vehicle involved in the accident
- Anyone who is a defendant in a lawsuit related to the accident
- An insurance company for one of these parties
- A lawyer for one of these parties
If you are having difficulty obtaining a car accident report that you believe you are eligible to receive, you should contact an experienced Texas car accident lawyer right away. They can guide you on your next steps.
Why Obtaining a Texas Car Accident Report Matters
One of the most crucial reasons to obtain a car accident report is so that you can secure evidence that supports your injury claim. The car accident report includes details that can help a car accident attorney reconstruct the accident. This allows them to accurately identify who was responsible.
A report should also have contact information for everyone involved in the accident. These are essential details, especially if your injuries made it difficult for you to get the information at the scene or you lost it between the accident and contacting a lawyer.
FAQ
What Should I Do if Police Don’t Arrive at the Scene of an Accident?
Sometimes, the police aren’t able to get to an accident scene. If that happens, take as many pictures as possible and report the accident to the local precinct. Your attorney can help you make this report.
Is the Police Report the Only Evidence I Need to Support My Car Accident Claim?
No. You want as much evidence as possible, including copies of medical bills, medical records, and eyewitness testimony. Your lawyer can help you preserve all of these types of evidence before you pursue your case.
What Should I Do if I Disagree With Something in the Accident Report?
If there is something in the accident report that you think is inaccurate, tell your lawyer as soon as possible. They may be able to contest the report or get the police to update it with correct information.
Speak to a Seasoned Car Accident Lawyer in Texas Today
Were you or someone you love injured in a car accident in Texas? The experienced car crash attorneys at Ramsey Law Group may be able to help you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
We’ve served clients just like you in Houston and across the nation for over 25 years, and our team is committed to providing personalized, exceptional representation with proven results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.