When you’re involved in a car accident in Texas, one of the most important steps you can take is to ensure the accident is reported to the authorities. A police report helps clarify what happened and plays a crucial role in insurance claims and legal cases. Whether you’re dealing with minor fender benders or more serious collisions, having an official record from law enforcement can be key in proving fault and protecting your rights.
In this guide, we’ll explore the rules for reporting accidents in Texas, how to get a police report, and why this documentation is essential for any personal injury claims that might follow.
Texas accident laws cover a variety of incidents, from car crashes to accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and even commercial vehicles. Knowing what’s covered and what steps to take can help you protect your rights if something happens. Let’s go over some common types of accidents and what you should know.
Car accidents are the most common type in Texas. According to this report, there was 1 reportable crash that occurred every 56 seconds back in 2023. If you’re in one, Texas law requires you to stop, exchange info, and report the accident if there are injuries or damage.
Pedestrian accidents are another type of accident taken seriously in Texas. If you’re hit while walking, it’s important to report the accident. Texas accident laws tend to protect pedestrians, but having a police report can help you prove what happened and protect your rights. It’s especially important if you’re injured and want to file a claim.
If you end up in a motorcycle accident, the police report can help determine who was at fault. Texas uses comparative fault, so if you’re partially responsible, it can affect how much compensation you get.
Bicycle accidents can be serious, and Texas accident laws are designed to help cyclists who get hurt. If you’re in a bicycle accident, it’s important to report it to the police. A police report can help show who was at fault, which is important for any personal injury claims that might follow. For example, if a driver didn’t yield and caused the crash, the report can back that up.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles, like delivery trucks or 18-wheelers, are subject to stricter regulations under Texas law. If you’re involved in a commercial vehicle accident, the situation can be more complex because of factors like driver hours, company policies, and the weight of the vehicle.
In Texas, the law operates on an “at-fault” system when it comes to car accidents. This means that the person who is determined to be responsible for the accident will be financially liable for the damages. If you’re in an accident and the other driver is at fault, their insurance should cover your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other related costs. On the other hand, if you’re the one at fault, your own insurance will cover the damage, and you may have to pay for any costs that exceed your policy limits.
For example, if another driver fails to stop at a stop sign and crashes into your vehicle, they would be considered at fault, and their insurance would typically cover the damages. However, if you were speeding and caused the accident, your insurance would handle the claims, and your rates may go up. Texas law also allows for “comparative fault,” meaning if both drivers share responsibility, the amount of compensation you can receive might be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
A police report is required for certain types of accidents, especially when injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage are involved. If you’re in an accident that causes any injury or death, or if the property damage exceeds $1,000, you must contact law enforcement and request that a report be filed. The easiest way to do this is to call 911. If you’re unable to do so, you can go to the nearest police station or sheriff’s office to file a report in person.
Even if an accident seems minor, it’s always a good idea to call the police. The report will be helpful for insurance claims and legal matters, especially since some injuries may not show up immediately. Additionally, exchanging information with the other driver is essential in any situation, even if it’s just minor damage.
In Texas, you’re required to file an accident report if there are injuries, fatalities, or if the property damage is over $1,000. If law enforcement doesn’t respond to the scene, you can still file the report yourself. Texas law gives you 10 days to submit the report, and it needs to be sent to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). You can file the report online through TxDOT’s website or by mailing it to their office.
For accidents involving commercial vehicles or if a driver leaves the scene (hit-and-run), it’s important to file a report as soon as possible. Even if the damage seems minimal, having a report on record helps in case the situation escalates. It’s always wise to take the extra step and file, so you’re protected under Texas accident laws.
Once you’ve received your Texas accident report, it’s important to keep it safe and use it when needed. This document can play a vital role in your insurance claim, legal proceedings, and even for your personal records. Here’s how to make sure you’re using it effectively.
When you’re filing an insurance claim after an accident, the more solid evidence you have, the better. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and having a police report can help strengthen your claim. A police report provides an unbiased, official account of what happened, making it a crucial piece of evidence when proving that the other driver was at fault.
For example, if the report shows that the other driver ran a red light and caused the crash, it can be used to back up your side of the story and improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
In some cases, insurance companies may not cooperate or the at-fault driver may not have insurance at all. If this happens, you might need to take legal action to recover compensation for your injuries or damages.
A police report can be an important piece of evidence in court. It helps establish who was responsible for the accident, which can guide a judge or jury in deciding the outcome of your case. Even if a settlement is reached, the police report can sometimes encourage the other party to offer a fair resolution.
Aside from insurance claims and legal matters, it’s always a good idea to keep a copy of the accident report for your own records. You never know when you might need it down the road, whether it’s for a future insurance claim or if you need a reminder of the details of the accident.
While insurance companies in Texas do not always require a police report, having one can make the claims process smoother. If the accident results in injuries or significant property damage, a police report provides an official record of the incident and helps establish fault. It can be especially helpful if there’s a dispute about who was responsible for the accident.
For example, if the other driver denies liability, having a police report can make it easier to resolve the issue quickly.
Failing to report an accident in Texas can lead to serious consequences. If the accident causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, you can face fines and even have your driver’s license suspended.
Additionally, not reporting the accident may make it harder to file an insurance claim or prove your case in court. Without a police report, it can be difficult to establish who was at fault, potentially leaving you financially responsible for damages that weren’t your fault.
It’s always a good idea to call the police after a car accident in Texas, even if it seems minor. For accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, a police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal protection.
Even in minor accidents, having a police officer document the scene can help clarify details and protect your rights, especially if there’s a disagreement about what happened. It also ensures you have an official record of the accident.
You should contact an accident attorney if the fault is disputed, if you’re seriously injured, or if the insurance company isn’t offering a fair settlement. Attorneys can help maximize your compensation by negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court. If the accident involves complex legal issues or if the other party refuses to accept responsibility, the right accident attorney can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
When you’ve been in a car accident, you need a skilled attorney who knows how to fight for your fair compensation. The legal process can be complicated, with many rules and details that are best handled by a lawyer. Even if your case doesn’t go to court, an experienced attorney can negotiate with your insurance company to help secure a fair settlement.
Thompson Law has a strong track record of success, having recovered over $1.9 billion for personal injury victims. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Your main focus after an accident should be getting better. If you need help navigating the legal side, Thompson Law is here to assist you. Reach out to us for a free consultation to learn more about your options. We’re here to help you take the next steps and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Thompson Law charges NO FEES unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We have put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements into our clients’ pockets.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.