Few experiences are as frightening as a car accident, but the distress often continues during the aftermath of the accident, when you’re faced with the legal process to recover compensation for your property damage and personal injury losses. The first step in this legal challenge is filing an accident report. Your car accident report becomes key evidence in your Dallas car accident claim.
First, Call 911 to Report a Dallas Car Accident
Under Texas traffic law, Sec. 550. 02, an involved motorist must call the police at the accident scene if anyone is injured, there is a fatality, or if there is damage to a vehicle that would cost more than $1,000 to repair. Leaving the scene of an accident before the police clear you to leave is a crime.
When police are called to an accident, they begin the police report at the scene and advise you that they are filing the report. This report includes the identifying information of all involved drivers, their insurance information, vehicle identification numbers (VIN), and the responding officer’s observations at the scene. It may also include eyewitness contact information. The report includes a crash ID number. The police officer typically files the report within ten days of the accident date.
A Dallas car accident victim can obtain a copy of their car accident report through the Texas Department of Transportation’s online portal by entering their name, VIN, and license plate numbers, and the TXDOT crash ID number assigned to their case.
Filing a Police Report after a Car Accident In Dallas, TX
If the damage at an accident scene is minor and no one is injured, drivers involved in a Dallas car accident do not have to report the crash to the police; however, neither driver may leave the scene until they’ve exchanged contact and insurance information. Then, the involved drivers must file a police report as soon as possible. While police officers have up to ten days to complete and file a Dallas car accident report, an involved driver should file a report soon after an accident. An online portal makes filing a car accident claim online an easy option; however, an accident victim may also visit the police department within the jurisdiction where the accident took place.
This documents evidence of the accident that can be crucial to recovering damages in an accident claim.
A Car Accident Report Establishes Evidence for a Claim
It’s not uncommon for a minor car accident victim in Dallas or elsewhere to discover injuries during the hours or even days after the accident. For instance, whiplash and other neck and back injuries sometimes develop symptoms hours later, once inflammation begins pressing on nerves, causing pain and stiffness. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions and hematomas, also often have delayed symptoms. In these cases, an injury victim may face unexpected medical expenses and income loss. If they’ve filed a police report, they have the key evidence they need to file a claim.
Filing a Police Report as Evidence In a Dallas Car Accident Claim
While filing a police report after a Dallas car accident establishes essential evidence, such as the date, time, location, and those involved in the accident, it’s also crucial to report the accident to your insurance company. Then, obtain an estimate for car repairs, a detailed medical report of your injuries, copies of all medical bills and receipts, and a statement from your employer showing your lost earnings. It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer before you speak with any representatives or insurance adjusters from the other driver’s insurance company.