When you’re involved in a car accident in McAllen, filing a police report can be one of the most critical steps you take. In Texas, the law requires you to report an accident if there are any injuries, fatalities, or if the damage exceeds $1,000. That means even if you think the crash was minor, skipping the report could come back to haunt you later, especially if injuries or damages turn out to be worse than you initially thought.
A police report serves as an official record of the accident. When officers arrive at the scene, they document everything, who was involved, what happened, the road conditions, and any statements from drivers and witnesses.
This report is an unbiased account of the incident, which is crucial in personal injury claims. Insurance companies and courts rely heavily on police reports to determine fault, and having this documentation can help your McAllen injury attorney strengthen your case.
How a Police Report Helps in a Personal Injury Claim
A police report is not the final word in an accident claim, but it carries a lot of weight. Insurance companies use these reports to assess claims, and having an official record can prevent disputes. If your case goes to court, your lawyer can use the report as evidence to support your claim.
Additionally, if the other driver tries to change their story or deny fault, the report serves as a neutral third-party account of what happened. This can be critical in preventing the dreaded “he said, she said” situation that can slow down or even derail your claim.
What Happens if You Don’t File a Police Report?
If you skip filing a police report, you may run into several issues when dealing with your insurance company or if you need to take legal action later.
Without an official record, it becomes your word against the other driver’s, and that can be problematic if the other party decides to change their story. This can delay your claim, reduce your chances of receiving a fair settlement, and even make it harder to prove your case in court.
Many people assume that if an accident is minor, they don’t need to involve the police. However, injuries sometimes don’t become apparent until days after the accident. If you don’t have a report on file, proving that the accident caused your injuries can be much harder.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and file a report immediately.
How to Obtain a Copy of Your Police Report in McAllen
Once a police report is filed, you’ll need a copy for your records. In McAllen, you can request a copy from the police department, either in person or online, through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Keep in mind that there’s usually a small fee for obtaining a report, and it may take several days to process. Having this document in hand will be invaluable when dealing with insurance adjusters or if you need to consult a personal injury lawyer.
What’s Included in a Police Report?
A police report contains crucial details that can support your injury claim. Some of the most important elements include:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names and contact information of drivers and witnesses
- Insurance details for all involved parties
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Descriptions of vehicle damage and any injuries
- Diagram of the accident scene
- Officer’s assessment of fault
If the officer at the scene issues any citations, that information will also be included. This can be particularly useful if the other driver was at fault due to reckless driving, running a red light, or some other violation.
