Car accidents are traumatic events that can cause thousands of dollars in medical bills and damages. Dealing with insurance company representatives can be challenging, as they may try to use details from the police report to pay you less than your claim is worth. At Sutliff & Stout, we always recommend verifying the police report and reporting any discrepancies. Reviewing a police report might be challenging if you’ve never seen one before, which is why we outlined what you can find on each page.
If you have any questions about the report or looking for more information on what to do following an accident, reach out to one of our car accident attorneys.
Page 1: Crash Details
Page one of a Texas police report will include where and when the crash occurred and whether there were any fatalities. Page one will also document the type of collision, for example, a hit-and-run.
It will also include personal information from both drivers, such as:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
- Make, model, and body style of the vehicle
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Estimated damage value
Officers will also record whether there was any damage to property other than the vehicles involved. If there was, they would detail the damage and obtain the owner’s name and contact information.
Page 2: Injuries and Reconstruction
The second page of the police report will have information about any injuries sustained. It will also include the victim’s contact information and ambulance information, if applicable. The report will include the seating position, use of seatbelts, vehicle ejection information, and injury severity. If either vehicle has to be towed, the reporting officer will make a note of which company moved it and where.
The second page is also where you’d find the full narrative and diagram to describe how and why the officer believed the accident occurred. The report can also list additional factors that caused the accident, such as road and weather conditions.
Page 3: Commercial Vehicles
Officers only use page three of reports if a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or bus, is involved in the accident. They will document the following information:
- Crash location and date
- Driver name and license class
- Insurance carrier information
- Vehicle type, style, and size
- Truck or bus company information
Authorities can also investigate driver logs, driver fatigue, and any Department of Transportation violations relating to the maintenance of the truck or bus.
What Compensation Can I Receive After My Car Accident in Texas?
Your insurance company determines the financial compensation you receive following a car accident, but your attorney will negotiate with insurers for you to obtain a fair settlement.
Every case is different, and the type and amount of compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries. In general, you may be able to collect funds for:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income and future loss of wages
Make sure you keep all medical records and receipts from other expenses related to the collision. It will help create a more robust case proving your losses to the insurance company.
Can You File An Insurance Claim Without A Police Report?
You do not need a police report to file an insurance claim. Having a copy of your police report may help negotiate with your insurance provider or the at fault driver’s insurance provider.
Seek Legal Representation for Your Car Accident Claim
If you’re involved in a car crash in Texas, one of the first things you should always do is call the police. They will create a report that you can use as evidence for your insurance company or in court. Understanding a car accident report can be challenging, though, especially if you’ve never seen one before. That’s where the car accident attorneys at Sutliff & Stout come in.
We’re experienced attorneys who serve clients who have been injured in car accidents in Houston and throughout Texas. Our board-certified attorneys have helped countless clients receive hundreds of millions in recoveries throughout our firm’s history. To schedule a free consultation, call (713) 987-7111 or complete an online contact form.
(713) 405-1263 
550 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 530