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Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Texas?

After a car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do. In Texas, you are not legally obligated to report every car accident, but there are certain cases where you must call 911 and report the incident. If the collision resulted in injury or death, if there was more than $1,000 worth of damage done to either vehicle or if any of the drivers involved were intoxicated at the time of the crash, then you must report it.

It is important to understand when you need to report an accident so that you can comply with the law and protect yourself from potential legal issues. If you fail to report a serious collision as required by law, then you could face fines or even jail time. It is also important to remember that reporting an accident does not necessarily mean that someone will be held liable for damages; it simply serves as a way for authorities to document what happened and investigate further if necessary.

Reporting Requirements in Texas

In Texas, it is important to report any car accident that occurs, even if it is minor. This is because the police report can serve as an important piece of evidence in the event of a dispute or legal action. However, there are certain reporting requirements that must be met before filing a report with the police. The state of Texas requires that any car accident involving property damage valued at least $1,000 to any one vehicle or physical injuries must be reported to the authorities.

It is important to note that these reporting requirements are in place for the safety and protection of all parties involved in a car accident. By filing a police report, you can ensure that all damages and injuries are properly documented and accounted for. Additionally, this information can be used by insurance companies to determine who is liable for any damages caused by the accident. Therefore, it is important to understand and abide by these reporting requirements when involved in an automobile accident in Texas.

What Happens if You Don't Report Your Accident?

Failing to report a car accident when the law requires you to can have serious consequences. Depending on the state, you could face legal penalties such as a fine of up to $5,000 and/or jail time. Additionally, you may face pressure from the other driver involved in your car accident not to involve the police – especially if they know that they caused the crash. It is important to remember that giving in to this pressure is never a good idea, even if the other driver offers to pay for your medical bills and vehicle repairs directly.

It is always best practice to report any car accident immediately, regardless of who was at fault or how minor it may seem. This will ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions and that any potential insurance claims are properly documented. Additionally, reporting an accident can help protect you from any false accusations or allegations of hit-and-run. Taking these steps will help ensure that you are protected legally and financially in case of an accident.

What Will the Police Officer Do?

When a car accident occurs, it is important to report the incident to the police. Even if you were partially at fault for the crash, you may still be eligible for some financial compensation from the other driver. Obtaining a police report can go a long way toward strengthening your insurance claim.

When an officer arrives on the scene of an accident, they will take notes about what happened and fill out a Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). The officer will ask questions about who was involved in the accident, what happened leading up to it, and any other relevant details. They may also take pictures of the scene and collect evidence such as skid marks or broken glass. Afterward, they will write up their report back at the station which will include all of their observations and conclusions. This document can be used by both parties involved in the accident to help with insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Talk to a Lawyer

An experienced accident lawyer in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, can help you with your accident case. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.


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