Are accident reports public record? Yes, accident reports are public record, and the police can provide you with one after they have investigated an auto crash.
An Arlington car accident lawyer can teach you about crash reports and how to obtain them after auto collisions.
How the Police Prepare an Accident Report
Before an accident report becomes public record, the police investigate an auto crash. Police officers gather information from the parties involved in the accident and witnesses who saw it happen. They want to understand why the accident occurred and its impact on those involved.
How long it takes before an accident report becomes part of the public record depends on the incident. You could receive a report within days of an auto accident. The police may need extra time to put an accident report together if a long investigation is required.
The Texas Law Dog is a Hopkins County native who understands the legal process that follows auto accidents. They can explain what to expect during the car accident trial process and when you can get a report detailing your crash from the police. Request a free case consultation with us.
When to Request an Accident Report
Err on the side of caution if you are involved in an auto accident. Notify the police immediately, and they can assist you and others at the accident scene. Police officers can prepare an accident report, and you can request a copy as you deal with the incident’s aftermath.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) offers crash reports and records. You have 10 days after an auto collision to file an accident report. You can obtain this report from your local police department or submit your request online.
Hire a car accident attorney to assist you in the days after your auto collision. Your lawyer can share videos and other legal resources. They can describe how accident reports that are part of the public record can play key roles in auto crash lawsuits.
What an Accident Report Includes
An accident report can serve as a valuable piece of evidence if you decide to sue a motorist for damages. The report consists of information from the police that could help you prove to a judge or jury that you are not liable for your accident. Here is what is included in an accident report:
- The time, location, and date of your car accident
- The contact information of the parties involved in the accident
- The contact information of the accident witnesses
- Information about the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident
- Details about the road, weather, lighting, and other factors that may have impacted those involved in the accident
- An accident diagram
- Statements from the drivers involved in the accident and witnesses
- Citations or violations issued before, during, or after the accident
- Opinions from the police relating to what caused the accident and who is liable
An auto accident lawyer offers FAQs about accident reports as public record and other legal topics. Your attorney wants you to make informed decisions as you go through the legal process after your auto collision. They discuss why it is important to file a police report and obtain one promptly following your crash.
Why You Should Get an Accident Report from the Public Record
An accident report coming from the public record can have far-flung effects on your personal injury case. With a report in hand, you are better equipped than ever before to achieve your desired case result. Here are reasons to file a report about your accident.
The Report Provides an Official Record of Your Accident.
Police officers collect information from you and other sources as they prepare your accident report. The report is classified as an official record of your accident. Thus, a judge or jury is likely to take the report seriously as it decides whether to order anyone liable for your auto crash to pay damages.
Insurance Companies Consider the Report in Investigations.
Following an auto accident, your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer could look at your report together. The report could explain that the police do not believe you are liable for your accident. Therefore, its findings could lead these insurers to find you are not at fault, and the liable motorist’s insurance company could cover your accident-related losses.
The Report Boosts Your Chances of Getting a Favorable Ruling.
You and the other driver involved in your accident could have differing accounts of what happened.
An accident report is objective and details what police found at the scene and the information they were provided by you and others who were present. If the report is different from what the other driver claims, the court will account for this as it makes its ruling.
The Report Could Help You Receive a Fair Settlement.
If the defendant has concerns about an accident report and other evidence you have, they could be inclined to propose a settlement. You can evaluate a settlement proposal with your attorney and determine if it lines up with your expectations. If you are satisfied with an offer, you can approve the proposal and settle your case without going to trial.
You Can Comply with State Law.
In Texas, you are legally required to report an auto accident to the police if there is at least $1,000 worth of property damage or if someone is injured or killed. Choosing not to do so can result in a driver’s license suspension and other penalties. It can also hurt your chances of obtaining damages if you file an auto accident lawsuit.
When in doubt about whether you need an accident report, seek legal guidance. An auto crash lawyer focuses on protecting your family from accidents. They can provide tips and recommendations on how to respond to an auto crash and position you to recover maximum damages from any liable parties.
Ask a Lawyer for Help with Getting an Accident Report on the Public Record — and More
The Texas Law Dog knows what challenges you will encounter after an auto accident.
If you want to request an accident report on the public record or require assistance in other legal areas, we are here to help. Request a free case consultation with us.
