Why Do You Need To Obtain The Police Report After An Accident?
Immediately after an accident, you may not be in a position to call the police. You may be injured, or on the way to a hospital. Obtaining a car accident report in Houston may not even be on your mind.
If the police do arrive at the accident scene, then a police report will likely be created. The police officer will likely talk to the people involved in the accident, talk to witnesses, gather insurance information, survey the accident scene, and may issue traffic tickets. In the Houston area, 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. Obtaining a car accident report in Houston is crucial to starting your claim and holding the negligent parties responsible.
How to Obtain an Accident Report:
When you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, obtaining the police report is essential. In most cases, Molina Law Firm obtains the accident reports for our client’s claims. Here’s information on obtaining a car accident report in Houston, Texas.
How to Acquire a Copy of a Police Accident Report in Houston
If the Houston Police Department (HPD) 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 request a copy:
- Date of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Names of the drivers or other involved parties
Online Request
You can purchase a Houston, Texas accident report online through a third-party site called LexisNexis. However, you do have to set up a LexisNexis account and be able to pay with a debit or credit card. You will also need to enter some information from the Police Exchange of Information form such as the date and location of the accident.
In-Person Request
You can also get the report by visiting the HPD Records Division located at 1200 Travis St., Houston, TX, 77002. The office operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Keep in mind that this address is for the Houston Police Department Headquarters. You will need personal identification to enter the building. Additionally, you have to pass through a scanner and security check to enter the building.
Request by Mail
Alternatively, you can request a copy of the report by mail by filling out the Houston Police crash report request form, H.B. 2633, and mailing it to the HPD Records Division at 1200 Travis, Houston, Texas 77002. Include a check or money order for $6, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and send it to Houston Police Deparment.
Importance of the Police Report After a Car Crash
Obtaining the police report is crucial for recovering damages in the aftermath of a car accident. Here’s 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 crucial, it’s just one aspect of building a strong case. An experienced 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.
With professional assistance, gathering and presenting this evidence becomes more manageable.
How Can Molina Law Firm Help
Contact Molina Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how they can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (281) 922-4300 to start your journey towards JUSTICE.
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