Should You Call the Police After a Car Accident in Sugar Land, TX?
Were you involved in a car crash in Sugar Land? The collision should generally be reported to local or state law enforcement. Texas law requires the reporting of all injuries crashes and most property damage only crashes. A police report is a key form of evidence in a car accident claim. It is in your interest to report the crash right away if you want to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation. In this article, our Sugar Land car accident attorney explains why it is so important to report a crash to law enforcement in Texas.
Know the Law: Requirement to Report Car Accident in Texas
Texas Transportation Code § 550.062 requires the reporting of many motor vehicle collisions in the state. More specifically, a law enforcement officer must prepare a written collision report if the crash caused injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. To be clear, the statute applies regardless of whether the officer investigates at the scene or later by interviewing involved parties or witnesses. Texas is an at-fault state for insurance claims, so establishing fault and securing documentation early can shape liability and compensation outcomes.
A Police Report is a Key Piece of Evidence in a Car Accident Case
A police report provides a neutral, third-party account of what happened. Along with other things, it will typically include identifying details for drivers and vehicles, witness contact information, crash location, diagrams, and often the responding officer’s narrative and preliminary findings. That information becomes essential when you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit because it gives insurers and courts an objective basis for fault and damages. Without a police report, your case relies more heavily on your version of events, photos, and witness statements.
How to Request a Car Accident Police Report in Sugar Land, Texas
After a traffic collision in Sugar Land that law enforcement investigates, you can request the official police accident report once it is filed and processed. The Sugar Land Police Department’s Records Division handles requests for crash reports and other public records under the Texas Public Information Act. Eligible requestors include drivers involved in the crash, passengers, owners of damaged property, parents or legal guardians of involved parties, and authorized representatives. Reports typically become available several days to a couple of weeks after the officer submits the completed crash report to the statewide system. You can request a copy in person at the Sugar Land Police Department’s Records Unit by providing identifying details like the date of the accident, your name, or your driver’s license number.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Sugar Land, TX Car Accident Attorney Today
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Sugar Land auto accident attorney is an aggressive advocate for justice. If you were hurt in a motor vehicle wreck, we are here to help. Please call us now or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We handle car accident claims in Sugar Land and throughout the entire region in Southeast Texas.
Source:
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/tn/htm/tn.550.htm
