Were you injured in an auto accident? If so, you should know how to read a police accident report made by an investigating officer. By Texas state law, crash reports are required for any collision causing injury, death or $1,000.00 or more of damage to a property.
Accident reports are important because they may be vital evidence when making a personal injury claim. In fact, insurance companies often demand a copy of your police motto vehicle accident report just to handle your claim. Such crash reports are available usually within 7-14 business days after the accident.
You may be wondering what information is found in a police accident report. The information starts with the date, time and location of a auto accident. The location should indicate if it was on a street, highway, parking lot, construction zone, school zone or some other area. An accident report also will note if the crash had a fatality and if a school bus or commercial vehicle was involved. If charges were filed in the crash, those also should be noted on the crash report, including the specific charge and citation number.
Vehicle Information Provided in an Accident Report:
Vehicle and driver information also is part of an accident report. Vehicle information should include:
- The vehicle’s license plate number and state
- The vehicle’s model, make and body style
- The vehicle’s VIN, or vehicle identification number
- The name of the insurance company for insured drivers, and the policy number
- If the vehicle was towed, where it was towed
- Estimated damage to the vehicle
Driver Information Provided in an Accident Report:
As for driver information in an accident report, that should include:
- Each driver’s name, address and phone number
- Driver’s license details for each driver, including the type of license, driver’s license number and issuing state
- Each driver’s insurance information
A police accident report also should include if a sobriety test was given to a driver for possible alcohol or other drug use, the kind of specimen taken, and the results of the test.
If you are an individual that was involved in a motor vehicle accident contact the an attorney, like a personal injury lawyer trusts today.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Brandy Austin Law Firm PLLC for their insight into police reports in an accident.