Why Do You Need To Obtain The Police Report After An Accident?
Pasadena is the second largest city in Harris County. Immediately after an accident, you may not be in a position to call the police. Even if you do not live in Pasadena, you have likely driven in Pasadena. If you happen to be in a Pasadena car accident, then you will need to know how to get a car accident report in Pasadena, Texas.
After a car accident, and if you are able, you should call the Pasadena Police at (713) 477-1221. However, you may be injured, or on the way to a hospital. In these instances, the police may talk to you at the hospital, or you may have to do a report supplement when you are discharged from the hospital.
If the police do arrive at the accident scene then a police report will likely be created. The police officer will talk to the people involved in the accident, talk to witnesses, gather insurance information, survey the accident scene, and issue traffic tickets. The police officer should give you a police report number for your accident report.
The actual police report is usually available within 10-14 days of the accident. In wrongful death accidents, the report can take much longer to be created. However, the police officer will usually give you an Accident Exchange of Information form at the scene that has some basic information, such as the names of the people involved in the accident and basic insurance information.
How to Get A Car Accident Report In Pasadena, Texas
Obtaining the police report is helpful to your case because it helps to establish the legal responsibility of the opposing sides. At Molina Law Firm, we usually obtain accident reports for our client’s claims. Here’s information on obtaining a car accident report in Pasadena, Texas.
How to Acquire a Copy of a Police Accident Report in Pasadena
If the Pasadena, Texas Police Department (PPD) responded to your accident, you have several options to obtain a copy of the police report.
You need to have at least two of the following details to locate and request a copy:
- Date of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Names of the drivers or other involved parties
Online Request
You can purchase an accident report through the online Pasadena Public Records Center. Using this link requires several steps. First, you have to click the button “Submit A request to Police.” Then, you have to create an account with the Pasadena Police Department. You will need a valid email account and a password to set up and verify your account. After your account is verified, you can then enter the information that you need to order your accident report.
After you submit the order for your police report, you will receive a payment request. The police report will be approximately $14.00, but you will have to pay for the report with a credit card that you will enter online.
After you pay for the report, you will receive the report in approximately another 3-5 days.
In-Person Request
You can also get the report by visiting the Accident Records Window located at 1201 Davis St., Pasadena, TX, 77506. The office operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To locate your report, you will need your accident’s date, time, and location. The best way to locate your report is to present the accident report number that the officer gave you at the accident scene. The Records Division window is closed for city holidays.
Mail Request
Yes, you can mail in a request, but this process takes far too much time, and is not recommended. However, if you do want to mail a request then you can mail a request to:
Attn: Open Records, Pasadena Police Department, 1201 Davis St.,Pasadena, Tx 77506. In your request, provide the following
- PPD case number
- Names, Date of Births, Driver’s License Numbers, and /or Social Security Numbers of parties involved
- Date/Location (Address) of the incident
- Type of Incident
How Does An Accident Report Help Your Case
Importance of the Police Report After a Car Crash
Here is some of the valuable information that will be in the accident report:
- Essential Information: Police reports contain vital details such as the date, location, and contact information of involved parties.
- Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses and the officer’s assessment of the situation are included, providing valuable insight into the accident.
- Proof of Liability: If the other driver received a citation, it serves as evidence of their negligence, supporting your claim for damages.
Establishing Negligence Using the Police Report
To pursue compensation, you must establish negligence. The police report will help you prove the following elements of a negligence claim:
- Duty of Care: Demonstrates that the other driver had a duty to drive safely.
- Breach of Duty: Shows how the other driver breached this duty through reckless actions.
- Injuries and Losses: Validates your injuries and resulting losses due to the accident.
While the police report is important, it’s just one aspect of building a strong case. An experienced Pasadena car accident lawyer will also conduct an independent accident investigation to prove your claim.
Supporting Evidence for Your Claim
In addition to the police report, various forms of evidence can strengthen your claim:
- Medical Records: Documenting your injuries and treatment.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Accounts from individuals who witnessed the accident.
- Expert Testimony: Insights from accident reconstruction specialists.
- Financial Records: Invoices and billing statements related to your injuries.
- Visual Evidence: Photos and videos of the accident scene.
How Can Molina Law Firm Help
Contact Molina Law Firm today to schedule a free car accident consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (281) 922-4300 to start your journey towards JUSTICE.
