Truck accidents are scary and traumatic. After a crash, it can be hard to know what to do next. Your first priority after a truck accident should be ensuring that everyone gets the medical treatment they need.
Your next priority is contacting the police and officially reporting the accident. Here’s a look at how to file a Texas police report and why it’s so important to do so.
How To Report a Houston Truck Accident to the Police
Texas law requires that drivers file a police report after an accident whenever:
- There are injuries;
- There is a fatality; or
- There is at least $1,000 of property damage.
Immediately after an accident, it can be difficult to know the amount of damage or whether there are injuries. Often, the adrenaline after an accident masks pain and makes it hard to estimate damages. Because of that, it’s a good idea to report all accidents, even minor ones.
You can report an accident by calling the police to the scene. This is the preferred way to report an accident because the police come to the scene, get the information of all drivers, and talk with any witnesses.
Sometimes, when there are minor accidents, the police don’t respond. In these situations, you can go to a Houston Police Department station to file an accident report.
What Should Be Included in a Houston Accident Report?
When the police arrive at your accident scene, they’ll begin completing the report. The report includes:
- The name, address, and driver’s license number for all drivers involved in the accident;
- The make, model, license plate number, and VIN for all vehicles involved in the accident;
- The specific location of the accident;
- The date and time of the accident;
- Driver statements about the accident;
- A list of all injuries;
- A list of all property damage;
- “Factors & Conditions,” which is a section completed by the officer that includes the officer’s opinions about who was at fault in the accident.
The driver’s statement is one of the most important parts of this report. Your memory of accident details will likely fade over time, so your statement in the report is a good opportunity to record them before you forget them. Be thorough when completing this statement, and use as much detail as possible.
The police report and your driver’s statement will be helpful when your truck accident lawyer gathers evidence about your case to determine fault and damages.
Do I Need a Copy of My Texas Crash Report?
Yes. Your insurance copy, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and your personal injury lawyer will all want a copy of this report.
Texas crash reports are called CR-3s, and they are organized by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). You can access a copy of your report by filing an online request or submitting a written request.
Police officers must file accident reports within 10 days of a crash. Once the report has been filed, you can purchase a copy online.
You should submit a request for your accident report as soon as possible after an accident. However, your attorney can also obtain a copy for you if you’ve hired them to represent you.
Contact Our Undefeated, Record-Setting Houston Truck Accident Lawyer To Discuss Your Case
An experienced attorney can analyze your case and get a copy of your accident report. They’ll use the report and other evidence to determine fault and calculate damages. Next, they’ll negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Texas truck accident attorney at Zehl & Associates as soon as possible after your crash to discuss your case. We’ve won billions for our clients and offer a free initial consultation.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact our Undefeated truck accident attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours