Should I Contact The Police After A Car Accident?
It is always a good idea for drivers to contact the police after a motor vehicle accident. State laws set out specific rules mandating reporting, so police officers can scrutinize accident scenes and document their observations in traffic collision reports. For example, Texas law requires drivers to report any collision that results in an injury, death, or property damage in excess of $1,000. Officers can also help to provide evidence in a future injury claim in many cases.
If you were injured during a crash in Plano or Collin County, Texas, contact a car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Joel M. Vecchio, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation. We can review what happened, including any police reports, and determine the best course of action.
Reasons to Call the Police
Aside from complying with requirements under the law, there are other reasons why you should call 911 following a crash:
- Drivers usually speak with each other after a motor vehicle accident to exchange contact information and details related to insurance coverage. Some drivers, however, do not want to cooperate and will not share their information. If this is the case, then you should stop talking to the driver and immediately contact the police department if you have not already done so.
- Sometimes, it is obvious that a driver is intoxicated or otherwise in violation of traffic laws following a crash. Never confront a driver directly, as they will likely deny anything or even become aggressive. Instead, call the police to the scene, and they can handle the situation. If an officer issues a citation or makes an arrest, a subsequent conviction can significantly help your accident claim.
- When you call 911, not only police officers will report to the scene, but emergency medical technicians (EMTs) should as well. This means that you can get immediate assessments of your physical state and advice on whether you need emergency room treatment or even emergency transportation.
- If you need emergency transportation due to your injuries, you will not be able to collect all the information you need, including insurance information of other drivers, witness information, pictures of the scene, and more. If police are there, all of this information should be in their accident report, which you can access once your health is stable.
By contacting the police at the accident scene, you can make sure the officer files a traffic collision report that can be used later to prove the essential facts of the motor vehicle accident. If you do not call the police, it can be more challenging to prove fault for the crash.
Contact a Plano Car Accident Lawyer
Do not wait to call the Law Office of Joel M. Vecchio, P.C. if you have been injured during a motor vehicle accident. We can review your situation, including any accident reports, and advise you of the next steps toward compensation. Contact our Plano car accident attorneys today.