If you’ve been in a car crash and suffered injuries, it’s important to enlist the services of an experienced attorney and gather important evidence to support your claim. One of the most essential documents is the vehicle accident report filed by the responding law enforcement agency.
Here’s why a vehicle accident report is critical to your crash-related personal injury claim.
What Is a Vehicle Accident Report, and What Does It Include?
A vehicle accident report is an official record created by law enforcement officers to document crashes that occur on public roadways. Most agencies will also generate a vehicle accident report in response to private property and parking lot crashes, especially if they lead to injuries or major property damage.
Your crash report will include basic details about the incident, including:
- Date and time
- Location
- Make, model, and year of all vehicles involved
- Names and contact information for drivers and passengers
- Witness information
- A short narrative explaining what happened
- Citations issued (if applicable)
The Texas Department of Transportation also requires police officers to include a field diagram with most crash reports. These simple drawings provide a visual representation of the impact and positioning of the vehicles before, during, and after the accident.
How an Accident Report Helps Establish Fault and Liability
A vehicle crash report can help identify at-fault parties by providing a glimpse into what happened. The report documents damage to your vehicle and any other involved vehicles, which can reveal the nature and angle of the collision.
For example, if the front of the other vehicle impacted the rear of your car while you were stopped at an intersection, these details will be reflected in the narrative and diagram.
Additionally, a report should list any violations committed, as well as any citations the responding officer issued. Your vehicle accident attorney can use this information to demonstrate the other party’s role in causing the crash.
The Role of Law Enforcement in Documenting the Accident Scene
Law enforcement officers gather as much information as possible when responding to crashes, which means speaking to drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Their report can reveal the manner of the collision and provide your attorney with a good starting point for your personal injury case.
Keep in mind that law enforcement officers aren’t there to determine negligence or fault in the context of a personal injury suit. However, their observations can be useful for building a strong case.
How a Detailed Accident Report Can Strengthen Your Insurance Claim
Insurance companies review accident reports to learn more about policyholders’ behavior and the actions of other drivers. They can use this information to negotiate with the other party’s insurer and quickly determine fault.
The sooner your insurance company can sort out the details of your crash, the quicker it can issue payment to cover your repairs and other expenses. However, it’s important not to settle with your insurance company without first speaking to a vehicle accident lawyer. Once you settle, you may forfeit your right to seek further compensation.
What Happens if an Accident Report Is Missing or Inaccurate?
Inaccurate or incomplete accident reports are typically returned to the responding officer for amendment. However, it’s up to you to report inaccuracies that get overlooked during the police department’s internal review process.
Carefully review everything, including the vehicle details, the date and time listed on the report, and the location and direction of travel mentioned. Report any discrepancies right away.
If the report is missing altogether, contact the agency that responded to the crash. They should be able to identify the cause of the problem and get the report submitted quickly. Once the report is finalized, you can purchase a copy online.
How an Attorney Can Use the Accident Report
An experienced vehicle accident attorney can use a detailed crash report to:
- Identify and contact witnesses
- Support claims of negligence
- Learn about the other driver’s behavior at the time of the crash
- Review the manner of impact
It’s often assumed that a particular party is at fault for certain types of crashes. For instance, if someone rear-ends you while you’re stopped at a red light, your attorney can use this information to demonstrate that the other driver was operating their vehicle carelessly.
Other Important Evidence to Gather After a Vehicle Accident
The vehicle accident report is foundational to your case, but it’s not the only piece of evidence you’ll need. You should also collect such information as:
- Photographs of the accident scene and your vehicle
- Witness names and contact information
- Medical records
- Receipts for any expenses (rental car, ridesharing services, tow fees, etc.)
Your attorney will need all of this information to negotiate a fair settlement or jury award on your behalf.
FAQ
Do I Have to Pay for My Crash Report?
You’ll have to pay a small fee for a copy of your crash report in Texas. The report fee for a regular copy is $6, and the fee for a certified copy is $8.
How Soon Will My Crash Report Be Ready?
Your crash report should be ready in about 10 days. However, it could take longer if the incident was severe and the reporting agency needs to perform accident reconstruction or other advanced investigative work.
Can My Attorney Request a Copy of the Report for Me?
Your attorney can request a copy of the report on your behalf after you hire them. However, you should bring a copy to your consultation if possible so your lawyer can review the facts of the case.
Speak With a Vehicle Accident Attorney From Ramsey Law Group Today
Contact Ramsey Law Group to schedule a free consultation with one of our capable vehicle accident lawyers. We’ll review your case and help you figure out your next steps.