In the aftermath of a car crash, it can be challenging to determine the value of damage before receiving an estimate from a body shop. With the cost of repairs, even minor fender benders can become expensive. Similarly, it is difficult to calculate the extent of injuries and how much they will cost you in medical bills.
While reporting is not always required, if your vehicle appears damaged or there are injuries, we urge you to start by reporting a Houston car accident to the police. Not only will this cover you if you have a legal obligation to report, but it will also help document the date of the crash and establish a timeline. Schedule an initial meeting with one of our determined car wreck attorneys today to learn more.
Understanding the Legal Duty to Report a Car Wreck to the Police
Many people are confused about whether there is a legal duty to report a car collision to the police. Per Texas Transportation Code § 550.001, drivers must report a car accident if it results in serious injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 or more.
Failure to report a crash can lead to substantial consequences, including a fine of up to $5,000 and even potential jail time. While these penalties are unusual, a more likely consequence is a suspension of a driver’s license.
If there are severe injuries, it is essential to contact 911 immediately. Doing so allows you to report the car collision and get Houston first responders to the scene to treat injuries and move vehicles out of traffic.
What If I Fail to Report a Car Crash to the Police?
If a driver did not contact the police or first responders failed to arrive at the accident scene, there is a backup way to report the incident. Motorists can file a report with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) up to ten days after the crash.
However, a driver does not have to file a TxDot report if the police responded to the scene. In some cases, a person’s injuries may have been severe enough that they do not have a clear memory of what happened. If they know the jurisdiction, they might be able to find which police department responded and get the report.
While police almost always respond to collisions of this severity, the driver can always provide a report to TxDot to ensure that the wreck was documented. This gives them more time to track down the police report. A reliable lawyer in Houston could help their client report a car crash to the authorities and file a claim for damages.
Learn More About Reporting a Car Accident to the Houston Police Today
After a vehicle wreck, you have to handle a variety of crucial tasks in order to protect your well-being and rights. For injuries, you may need to miss work, go to multiple doctor’s visits, and take time for rehabilitation.
You might not even realize that you had a legal obligation to call the police or make a report to TxDot. Whether or not you complied with that rule, a dedicated lawyer could help you handle reporting a Houston car accident to the police. Schedule a free consultation with our compassionate personal injury attorneys today to find out more.