How to File a Car Accident Report in San Antonio

Getting into a car accident in San Antonio can be a confusing ordeal, but it’s important to know how to handle the aftermath of your crash. This includes knowing when and how to report a car accident. Crash reporting is both a legal requirement and an important tool for building a car insurance claim with a San Antonio car accident lawyer.

When Is Crash Reporting Necessary in San Antonio?

In Texas, motorists are required to report any motor vehicle accident that results in physical injury, fatality, $1,000 or more in property damage, or a vehicle that cannot be moved. These car accidents are considered serious and will likely be investigated in person by law enforcement. It is wise to report even a minor car accident in San Antonio, however, to receive a written report of the crash. A police report can contain key details and information about the accident that can support your car insurance claim. Reporting a crash that involves an apparent crime, such as drunk driving or a hit-and-run, is also important.

Call 911 From the Scene

Report your car accident immediately while still at the scene by calling 911 on your cell phone. You will be connected to the City of San Antonio Police Department. State that you were involved in a car accident and tell the operator if you see any injuries or if any of the vehicles can’t be moved. If you or anyone else requires emergency care, request paramedics. An officer will be dispatched to investigate. When the officer arrives at the scene, give him or her your description of what happened. Be careful not to admit fault. Ask for the number on the police report before the officer leaves so that you can contact the police precinct and request a copy later. If the police come to the scene of your car accident in San Antonio, they will submit a crash report for you.

You No Longer Need to Notify the Texas Department of Transportation

According to Texas Transportation Code § 550.062, police officers are required to submit a written crash report to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) no later than 10 days after the crash if they investigated a motor vehicle accident that results in injury, death or at least $1,000 to damage to a single vehicle while on the job. In the past, if a car accident was not serious enough to require a police officer investigation, the responsibility of reporting the crash to TxDOT fell on the driver. However, there is no longer a requirement in Texas for drivers to complete and submit the Driver’s Crash Report (CR2), also known as the Blue Form, to TxDOT.

Contact Your Car Insurance Company

Report any car accident to your automobile insurance provider as soon as possible. Inform them briefly that you have been involved in a crash. Provide the basic facts of the accident, but don’t agree to give them a recorded statement. Keep your answers to insurance provider questions short; don’t give too much detail. Use caution when speaking to insurance adjusters, as they may be looking for reasons to deny your claim. Crash reporting is an important step after getting into a car accident in San Antonio. If you need assistance obtaining a copy of your accident report or dealing with a car insurance company in the aftermath of a Texas car crash, contact the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo for a free case evaluation with a San Antonio personal injury attorney.