Why Should You Call the Police After an Auto Accident in Texas?

After an auto accident, your mind races with questions. Is everyone okay? Am I hurt? How much damage was done to the car? What happens next? Amidst the confusion, it’s crucial to remember one thing: In Texas, be sure to call the police immediately after an accident. Here’s why:

• Legal Requirement: Texas law requires you to report any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Calling the police fulfills this legal obligation. Ignoring this rule can lead to serious consequences, including fines and potential suspension of your driver’s license.
• Accurate Documentation: A police report provides an unbiased third-party account of the accident. Officers document critical details, such as the date, time, location, and conditions of the accident scene. They also gather testimony from drivers, passengers, and witnesses. This comprehensive record can prove invaluable when it comes to making insurance claims or defending your case in court.
• Determining Fault: Police are trained to assess accident scenes and determine who’s likely at fault based on available evidence. Although their determination isn’t legally binding, it can influence the insurance companies’ decisions and possibly strengthen your case, should it proceed to litigation.
• Preventing Further Accidents: Police can manage traffic around the accident site, reducing the risk of additional accidents. They can also arrange for the safe removal of wrecked vehicles, making the area safer for other motorists.
• Protection from Scams: Some unscrupulous individuals may attempt to take advantage of the chaos following an accident to stage scams or fraudulent insurance claims. A police presence can help deter such activities and protect your interests.
• Health and Safety: Police officers are often the first to respond to an accident scene and can ensure injured parties receive prompt medical attention if necessary. Their training enables them to assist in an emergency until paramedics arrive.
• Initiating Insurance Claims: Insurance companies often require a police report to process a claim. A prompt report ensures that you can begin the insurance claim process as soon as possible, facilitating a quicker resolution.

While waiting for the police to arrive, it’s important to remain calm, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault or liability when speaking with other drivers or anyone else at the scene. Any statements you make can be included in the police’s crash report and could be used against you later. It’s also essential to gather evidence of your own, such as photographs of the accident scene and contact information of any witnesses.

How Can an Accident Attorney from RTRLAW Help You After an Accident

After an accident, another critical step is consulting with an experienced auto accident attorney. The legal team at RTRLAW has a deep understanding of Texas traffic laws and can guide you through the aftermath of an accident. We can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Texas, call RTRLAW now. We offer a free, no-obligation case review, and take cases on contingency, which means you won’t pay anything up front or at all unless we win your case. RTRLAW’s attorneys are ready to fight for your interests. Call us toll free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) or at our Garland office at (972) 521-8835. We’re available 24/7 to help you navigate the complex aftermath of a car accident.