When you’ve first been in a car wreck, calling the police may not be the first thing on your mind. In the moment, you have car issues to deal with, insurance hassles, and potentially even medical problems. Whether the crash you were involved in seems minor or severe, contacting law enforcement is a crucial step to take to protect yourself both legally and financially.
At The Johnson Law Firm, we’ve seen how quickly simple car wrecks can turn into complicated issues. That’s why we believe calling the police after any accident can make all the difference.
A Police Report Protects You
After an auto collision, emotions run high. It’s easy for drivers to forget details, misremember parts of the story or change narratives down the road. A police report creates a defined, objective record of what happened at the scene.
Typically, you can expect a police report to include:
- The date, time and location of the accident
- Statements from drivers and witnesses of the incident
- The reporting officer’s assessment of the accident
- Vehicle and insurance exchange information
- Photos and diagrams of the scene
This information is crucial when filing an insurance claim or handling issues that might arise from the car wreck in the future. Without a police report, you’re left with two conflicting stories and little to no physical evidence.
Texas Law Requires Compliance
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.026, drivers must report an accident to the police if it results in property/vehicle damage totaling over $1,000, injury or death.
This means that in the case of a car wreck, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and report all accidents to the police, even if you’re unsure about the total damage amount. Failing to report an accident that meets these criteria could result in fines or license suspension.
Insurance Companies Rely on Police Reports
As previously mentioned, police reports are crucial when handling car accident cases with your insurer. When you file an insurance claim, both insurance providers will want proof that the accident occurred and notice of who may be at fault.
Without a police report, insurance adjusters may:
- Question the validity of the car accident
- Delay or deny your claim due to a lack of documentation
- Reduce your compensation by shifting the blame onto you
Calling the police can save you time, and it can also save you money. Sometimes, thousands in repairs on cars or medical bills, money you could lose without filing a report.
Delayed or Hidden Injuries
In car accident cases, it is common for the symptoms of many injuries to not show right away, such as whiplash or concussions. Similarly, within a vehicle, damage can seem minor, but later reveal itself to be a serious problem for the owner.
By calling the police, you create a dated record that links the incident to any later-discovered injuries or damage. This creates a connection that makes a major difference in your ability to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Calling the Police Helps Prevent Legal Disputes
Even if the other driver is friendly and cooperative, that can change when insurance gets involved. Drivers have been known to:
- Provide false contact or insurance information
- Deny responsibility for the accident
- File a claim blaming you for the accident
Having a police officer at the scene ensures that all information is properly collected and can be verified before those involved part ways. The police report becomes a powerful piece of evidence that can protect your rights in court and prevent false claims in the future.
What to Do While Waiting for the Police
If you’ve been involved in a crash, here are the steps you can take to protect and set yourself up for success down the road:
- Move to safety: When possible, move out of traffic and to the side of the road with your hazard lights turned on.
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and all passengers/bystanders for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange information: Share names, contact information and insurance details with those involved.
- Document the scene: Take photos of damage and anything related to the crash.
- Stay calm and cooperative: Be attentive, helpful, and provide accurate information to the responding police officer.
In some cases, especially high high-traffic areas or for minor accidents, police may not respond to the scene. In these situations, it’s still important to document as much as possible, contact your insurance company and visit your nearest police department as soon as possible to file a police report.
Protect Yourself After an Accident
Even a “minor” car accident can lead to major issues later, but simple preventive measures can help to mitigate that. A simple call to police ensures that there’s a record of what happened and protects your rights to fair compensation.
At The Johnson Law Firm, we’ve helped countless drivers across San Antonio navigate the aftermath of car accidents. We know how stressful these moments can be, and we’re here to help you through every step.
If you’ve been in a car wreck, don’t face it alone. Click for Mick today, your case is our priority.
