Important Information Included in a Police Report After a Texas Truck Accident
The police report after a commercial trucking accident is an important piece of evidence. In cases involving delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles, the police report will help form the basis for the investigation, insurance claims, and any lawsuits you file. There is a lot of important information contained in police reports, and that information may be overlooked if one is not filed. Below, our San Antonio truck accident attorney explains what information these reports contain.
Identity of Those Involved
The most basic, but necessary, information contained in a crash report is the identifying information for those involved. This includes all party’s full names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, insurance information, and truck ID numbers. The report may also outline the name of the trucking company, its U.S. DOT numbers, the cargo the truck was carrying, and the trailer number.
The Location, Date, and Time of the Accident
The accident report will also include the location, date, and time of the accident. It may also indicate the roadway or highway, intersections, mile markers, city, county, and the direction of travel for all drivers. This is helpful information for anyone investigating the crash and determining the appropriate jurisdiction.
The Officer’s Observations and Description of the Crash
The officer who visits the scene will analyze all details, including road markings and vehicle damage. The officer will also locate witnesses to obtain their statements and include a brief description of the accident. Although the officer’s narrative does not determine fault legally, attorneys and insurance companies often rely on these observations. In addition, the officer usually is wearing a body camera and the video can capture important information, like statements made by the drivers, passengers, and witnesses, injuries, and the traumatic nature of the crash and its aftermath.
A Diagram of the Accident
The majority of police reports include a drawing outlining exactly how the accident occurred. These diagrams typically show where the vehicles were before the collision, which way they were traveling, where the point of impact was, and how the lanes were established. In truck accidents specifically, the drawing may also show braking, turns, and lane changes. The report may also include factors the officer believes caused or contributed to the accident, such as unsafe lane changes, driver fatigue, and more.
Eyewitness Information
Objective witnesses provide a wealth of critical information about an accident. Police may speak to witnesses briefly at the scene and obtain their names, contact information, and statements about how the crash occurred. This information allows investigators and lawyers to follow up with witnesses when working on your case.
Our Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Obtain Your Police Report
The police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence after any auto accident. At The Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident attorney can help obtain yours. We know the proper procedure to take to obtain the police report and body camera videos, what to look for that can help determine fault, and how to use it to recreate the crash scene. We will also handle all other legal details so you can focus on your own recovery. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation and to get the legal help you need. There is no charge whatsoever unless and until we obtain a settlement or recovery for you.
