Part of gathering evidence after a car crash in the RGV is requesting the police report. And these reports are very important to car crash victims.

A police accident report provides facts and data gathered at the crash site. It could be the information needed to help a crash victim receive full and fair compensation from an insurance adjuster. But someone might want to know how police investigate a car accident. There is a basic protocol officers follow to ensure they are thorough. In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation has a 173 page document on instructions for how police should report car crashes. But we are going to go over the basics here. 

For starters, officers will secure the location to ensure evidence isn’t compromised as they begin their investigation. That can mean blocking off the area and diverting passing traffic. Next, one officer might photograph the crash scene, documenting the car damage and debris. There should be several pictures of the final positions of each vehicle.  The surrounding geography should be documented too. Every photo tells a story; damaged signs, fences, poles, and trees can be essential evidence. While one officer handles the pictures, another may be taking witness accounts. Witnesses can be pedestrians or cyclists who saw the accident. And other drivers who may even have footage of the car crash.  

While all the activity is ongoing, the victims will also need attention. While waiting for medical first responders, officers can check for impairment. Make sure the crash victims are lucid and not in pain. Also, if they suspect DUI, then test the blood alcohol levels of the drivers. 

 After the investigation is over and the site is cleared, the next question is, how does a police investigation into a car accident help a personal injury claim?

The Car Crash Evidence Interpreted by an Insurance Adjustor vs. Personal Injury Lawyer

An insurance company wants the police report, too. They use it to determine liability and review the medical and physical damages. Claims adjustors can also use a police crash report to negotiate how much they’ll settle. Remember, although it’s essential to file a police report with an insurance claim, it’s best not to do it alone. 

An insurance company might misinterpret the evidence, or the insurance adjuster may overlook vital evidence that solidifies the right amount. They might minimize the damages and misinterpret who is at fault.  If the police report has a typo or a piece of evidence is unclear, an insurance adjuster can also use it to their advantage. If you’ve been in a car crash, the last thing you want to do is spend your time debating your compensation. 

We love handling these situations! We’ve reviewed thousands of police reports for car accidents. We also do the work to get that report while our clients A personal injury attorney knows how to review a police report and what an insurance adjustor might try to use to avoid paying a claim in full.