In the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It is normal to feel uncertain about the necessary steps you should take as an accident victim, but also you know how important it is to report the accident to Texas law enforcement. Calling for emergency help is critical while all parties and vehicles are still on the scene of the crash.
A police report is also important in the event you decide to file a civil claim at some point in the weeks or months following the accident. The details of this report could prove critical to validating your claim that another driver’s negligent or reckless actions caused the crash that left you injured. It may be helpful for you to learn more about what information is necessary to report an accident to police and how you can protect your interests after a crash.
Details the police want
When police arrive on the scene of an accident, they will work to document as much as they can about the scene. They will note road conditions, position of vehicles, time of day, location of the crash, physical evidence visible at the scene and more. Police will also likely talk to everyone at the scene, including passengers and witnesses. It is important to be cautious with what you say to anyone at the scene. When you are filing a report, the following steps may be helpful as well:
- Gather the same information that police will gather
- Document details by taking as many pictures as you can of the scene
- Record witness statements on your phone
- Look for cameras nearby, such as surveillance cameras at local stores
The more thorough you are in the immediate aftermath of a crash, the more likely you will be to secure the details that could increase your chance of success with a potential claim in the future.
Seeking the recovery you deserve
The aftermath of a car accident is complex, and knowing what you should do could play a critical role in securing the full and fair recovery you deserve through the Texas civil justice system. If you are unsure of what steps will be most beneficial for you and how you can protect your long-term financial well-being, seeking knowledgeable professional counsel may prove beneficial during this complex process.