A police report can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in your personal injury claim. It helps document what happened, who was involved, and whether anyone violated traffic laws. While it does not decide who wins your case, it gives your attorney a strong foundation to build from.

Why a Police Report Matters

When you are injured in an vehicle accident, emotions are high and details can quickly become unclear. A police report provides an objective record of what took place. The responding officer will gather information from drivers, passengers, and witnesses, as well as document vehicle damage, weather conditions, and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Having this report on file can help strengthen your claim by showing that you took the proper steps after the accident and that your injuries were taken seriously. Insurance companies also tend to give more weight to cases supported by an official report.

What Information a Police Report Includes

A typical Texas police report includes the date, time, and location of the crash, as well as contact information for everyone involved. It may also include:

Driver statements and witness accounts
A diagram of the accident scene
Citations or traffic law violations
The officer’s observations and opinions

Your attorney can use these details to identify who may be at fault and how to approach settlement discussions with the insurance company.

How to Obtain and Use the Report

You can request a copy of your police report from the local law enforcement agency that handled the accident. Once you have it, your attorney will review it for accuracy and use it as part of your evidence. If the report contains errors, your lawyer can help you correct them or present additional evidence to clarify what actually happened.

Contact Springer & Lyle

If you have been injured in an accident, Springer & Lyle can help you protect your rights and seek fair compensation. Our experienced attorneys will review your police report, gather additional evidence, and work to hold the responsible party accountable. Call us at 940-387-0404 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Springer & Lyle is located at 1807 Westminster, Denton, Texas 76205.

FAQs

1. Do I have to file a police report after a car accident in Texas?
Yes, if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000, Texas law requires you to report the accident to law enforcement.

2. Can I still file a claim without a police report?
Yes, but your claim may be harder to prove without one. Other evidence like photos, witness statements, and medical records can still support your case.

3. How long does it take to get a police report?
In most cases, it takes a few days to a couple of weeks for the report to become available.

4. What if the police report contains mistakes?
Your attorney can help you request corrections or present additional evidence to challenge inaccurate information.

Frank Lyle

Frank Lyle is a veteran personal injury attorney and mediator with decades of experience. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer multiple times. A past president of the Denton County Trial Lawyers Association, Mr. Lyle has represented hundreds of individuals in personal injury cases and insurance disputes. He is also the author of numerous legal articles and presentations.