If you’re in a car accident in Texas, you must file a police report within 10 days of a car accident to meet legal requirements and support insurance claims. You must report to the police if there’s injury, death, over $1,000 in property damage, or if the vehicles are undrivable.
Failing to file a required police report can result in fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and complicated insurance claims.
Reporting Minor Accidents: What You Need to Know
Even in minor accidents, you should call the police for a police report as soon as possible after the accident. Hidden vehicle damage and delayed injury symptoms often show up, so an official report will be helpful if these issues come up later.
The police can also help exchange contact and insurance information, especially if the other driver is uncooperative.
If the accident is not an injury accident, you can exchange information with the other driver.
If the vehicles are driveable and the property damage is under $1,000, you can handle the situation without calling the police.
However, filing an official report will give you a clear and objective account of what happened, which will be helpful for insurance claims and any future car accident disputes.
Also, take photos of the accident, as these can be evidence. Document the crash, even if it seems minor, to protect you from future problems.
Additional reading: Average car accident settlement in Texas
If you need further guidance, no matter if your injuries are serious or minor, contact an West Texas personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
How to File a Police Report
Filing a police report in Texas involves a few steps that may vary depending on your location.
Regardless of the location of the accident or who’s at fault you must report the accident to both the local police department and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for official record and to follow procedure.
When you file a police report in person, by mail, email, or online, you will need to provide a valid government-issued ID.
Doing this will ensure your report is filed correctly and on time, meet all legal requirements, and protect your rights after a car accident.
What Happens If You Don’t File a Police Report
Not filing a police report when required can be serious. In Texas, not filing a crash report can result in a fine up to $5,000 and imprisonment.
Also, not reporting the accident to the Texas Department of Transportation can result in a misdemeanor and suspension of your driver’s license.
Not filing a police report can also complicate your insurance claims, resulting in lower payouts and difficulty getting reimbursed for medical expenses. Insurance companies won’t cover your damages if you don’t file a police report within the required time frame.
A properly filed police report is vital for verifying claims and making sure the at fault party’s insurance company pays for the damages. Without a police report it’s harder to prove your case as it often becomes he said she said.
Filing a car accident claim in Texas without a police report is possible but not recommended. It will only make the process more complicated.
Review Your Police Report
Review of your police report is critical to get all the details correct. The report is key to insurance claims and provides information for:
- Claim reviews
- Adjusters to determine the incident details
- To speed up the insurance claims process
- To establish liability and coverage
Errors in a police report can impact your insurance claims and the determination of fault in court. So you need to identify and correct any incorrect information such as factual errors or omissions.
The witness statements and the officer’s observations in the report are pivotal for the sequence of events in court.
Get your report accurate and you’ll be protected from disputes and fraud claims.
What to Do After You File a Police Report
Several things happen after you file a police report. First, seek medical treatment no matter how you feel. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Get medical attention as soon as possible so any injuries are diagnosed and treated. It’s good for your health and for your legal claim.
Then, monitor your health for new symptoms and follow up with your doctor as needed.
Also contact a personal injury lawyer from our firm to find out what to do with your insurance claim and how to protect your legal rights.
Contacting a lawyer before you talk to your insurance company is often recommended so you don’t say something that can be used against you.
Also tell your insurance company about the accident and send them a copy of the police report. Keep a record of all communications with insurance companies and all expenses related to the accident.
We can help you with ALL communication to do with the insurance company.
Acting fast with car accident claims and reporting a crash to your insurer will make a big difference in your case.
Car Accident Lawyer Involvement
Working with a car accident lawyer like Russell Lorfing from a car accident law firm like Keith & Lorfing can be very beneficial after an accident. Personal injury lawyers navigate the legal maze and fight for you to get compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Insurance companies protect their clients who caused the accident, not the victims. A personal injury lawyer can represent you and gather evidence and records for your claim.
Russell Lorfing, with his experience and high ratings, handles personal injury cases in West Texas. His expertise and the firm’s mission to protect hardworking West Texans from big insurance companies make them the right choice for your legal representation.
Lorfing Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay legal fees only if you win and after the case is settled. This way, victims can get legal help without upfront costs.
Read also: is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident in Texas
We have a Midland personal injury lawyer on hand to advise on your next steps regarding a car accident police report.
Final Words
Filing a police report after a car accident in Texas is important for legal and insurance purposes. Knowing the 10-day deadline, the requirements, and the consequences of not filing will protect your rights and help you through the process after the accident.
Reviewing your police report and what to do after you file will make a big difference in your insurance claims and any legal proceedings.
