Reading a Police Car Accident Report: 5 Key Details to Look For
February 18, 2020
When looking over the police report for a car accident, carefully check out:
- The crash location and identifying information
- Driver information
- Charges filed
- The injuries and/or fatalities sustained
- The officer’s narrative and diagram of the crash events
Here’s where to find this information in a Texas car accident police report and why these details matter. If you notice any of these details are wrong, follow the tips at the end of this blog to get them fixed. It could play a big role in helping your car accident case.
The Crash Location & Identifying Information: Page 1, Top
In this initial area, carefully go over the:
- Day, date, and time of the crash
- The crash location, including the street, the speed limit on the street, and the town.
Driver Information: Page 1, Middle
The names and vehicle information for each driver in the crash will be here. Make sure your information is correct. Then, look at the:
- Alcohol test results area: If a driver was suspected of impairment and tests were conducted, the test results will be under the driver’s identifying information.
- Insurance information area: See if any driver does not have auto insurance coverage. In these cases, it may be possible to file a claim with your own insurance company (via uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have it).
Charges Filed: Page 1, Bottom
If criminal charges were brought against any party involved in the accident, those details will be in this section. If there is a criminal case associated with the crash, that case may offer helpful evidence for a car accident claim.
The Injuries and/or Fatalities: Page 2, Top
The injuries suffered in the accident are detailed here. This section includes specifics like whether:
- Injured parties were or weren’t wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash
- Any victims were ejected from a vehicle as a result of the accident
- Any vehicles were towed away due to severe damage
The Officer’s Narrative & Diagram: Page 2, Middle & Bottom
This is where the officer’s findings from the investigation will be detailed. Here, the officer will:
- Explain how and why they think the crash occurred
- Note the various conditions and factors, including road and weather factors, they think contributed to the wreck (typically in sequential order)
- Create a visual diagram depicting what (s)he believes happened during the crash.
If the Police Report Gets It Wrong…
- Contact the officer who wrote the report.
- Explain the discrepancy and provide any evidence you have to back up why you believe the information is incorrect or inaccurate.
- Hire an attorney.
A Houston Car Accident Attorney at the Amaro Law Firm Can Help You: Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, it only takes a call or a click to learn more about your potential claim and recovery options. The Houston car accident lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm are ready to help you now.
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At the Amaro Law Firm, helping accident victims pursue the justice and recovery they deserve is our top priority. Whether you’ve been hurt by the negligence of a motorist or any other party, we’ll fiercely advocate your rights to help you secure the justice and compensation you may deserve. The recovery from your claim can be the key to picking up the pieces and rebuilding your life.
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