Car accidents can leave Texas residents confused, scared and unsure of the next steps. Depending on the accident’s severity, you might wonder if you need to call the cops to the scene. Before an accident occurs, it is best to know when to call the cops, why it is valuable, and how severe an accident needs a cop’s presence.
When you should call the police
After you’ve been in an accident, you might have some doubts about calling the police. In addition, you might be uncertain if the accident warrants a police car, especially if it was a minor bump. However, calling the police is the best course of action if you’re in doubt.
Texas requires the police to be called to the scene of a car accident if there’s significant property damage or someone has been injured or killed. Calling the police is wise if you know or believe the other driver is at fault or committed a traffic violation.
Car accidents and police reports
Whenever the police are at the scene of a car accident, an officer will prepare a police accident report. Your police report includes information about the events of the collision and can help you if you plan on filing a personal injury claim or an insurance claim. Make sure to get the name and badge number of the officer who makes the report and ask them where you can obtain a copy.
Why you should call the police even for a minor accident
A minor fender bender might seem like nothing; you might feel completely fine. Unfortunately, not calling 911 is a mistake because you might later begin to feel the effects of an injury you didn’t realize you’d sustained.
In any collision, you should exchange information with the other driver and document the scene by snapping pictures with your phone. Get witnesses’ names and contact information so the police may question them. Keep a journal at home detailing the events leading up to and during the accident.