We hope you’ll never have to use the information provided in this post, but there’s a good chance you will. In 2019, there was a reportable crash every 56 seconds in Texas. Someone was injured by a car accident every two minutes in the state, with nearly 16,000 people experiencing serious injuries.
The most important action to take after a car accident, no doubt, is to call 911. You and the other people involved in the wreck might not appear to be hurt, but that’s a call for a medical professional. Calling 911 is also essential because you need an accident report.
Why Do You Need the Accident Report?
The accident report is the formal documentation of the essential facts of the accident. The police’s accident report will contain the date and time of the wreck, as well as the descriptions of the drivers, cars, property damage, and injuries. Much of this information cannot be obtained on your own—especially if the other driver isn’t being cooperative or amicable.
Many insurance companies do not require accident reports before processing an accident claim. However, giving your insurance provider the accident report can help expedite the processing of your claim. If nothing else, the accident report can act as evidence for your account of what happened.
Not getting an accident report at the scene of your wreck means you probably won’t be able to get one after the accident.
Texas Law Requires Reporting of Many Accidents
Under state law, Texans must call 911 after a car accident that results in injury or death. Again, because it’s hard to determine that you and other people have not been injured in a car accident, it’s a good idea to call 911 anyway. You must also call the authorities if the accident has rendered your car “inoperable” or is the result of an intoxicated or impaired driver.
After an accident, you are required to stop your car as soon as it is safe to do so. Stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. If you leave, you could be charged with hit-and-run, which is a felony when the crash involves death.
Call An Attorney As Soon As Possible
Dealing with an insurance company by yourself is risky. Adjusters have a deep bag of tricks they use to undervalue, delay, or flat-out deny valid accident claims from policyholders. For instance, many insurance companies call people the same day of the accident. Accident victims are more likely to settle quickly when their thinking is not quite right.
Car Accident Attorney S. Dylan Pearcy knows what insurance companies are capable of, and he fights only for you. Our caring and aggressive team will be with you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
