How To Get A Car Accident Report In Waco, TX

Car accidents are stressful, and obtaining a copy of the accident report may be the last thing on your mind. However, it is an important step toward filing an insurance claim and recovering compensation. If you have been involved in a car accident, learn from our Waco car crash lawyers how to get a copy of the accident report.

Contact the Waco Police Department

The first step is to contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. They will be responsible for investigating the collision and creating the report. There are two options. You can either:

• Visit the Waco Police Department in person at 721 N 4th St; or,
• Buy a copy online at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/.

To obtain a copy of the accident report, you will need to provide the following:

• The date and time of the accident;
• The location;
• The names of the parties involved;
• Your driver’s license number and vehicle plate number;
• Your mailing address, phone number, email; and,
• The report number if you have it.

There is also typically a fee between $6.00 to $11.00 to order a copy. It may take several days or even weeks for a car accident report to be available. You can contact the agency to check on the status of the report and to find out an approximate date.

What is Included in a Waco Car Accident Report?

The officer who arrives at the scene will typically include the following in their report:

Basic Information

The date, time, and location of the accident, and the names and contact information of the drivers, passengers, and witnesses to the accident.

Description of the Accident

The report will describe the circumstances of the accident, including the direction of travel, the speed of the vehicles, and any factors that may have contributed to the crash, such as road conditions or driver behavior.

Damage Assessment

A description of the extent of the damage sustained by the vehicles, as well as any other property damage that may have occurred.

Injuries

Information about any injuries suffered by drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

Diagram

Many reports include a diagram or drawing of the accident scene, which can help to illustrate the positions of the vehicles and the points of impact.

Police Officer’s Opinion

The investigating officer will typically lend their opinion on who was at fault for the accident based on the evidence and statements from the parties involved.

Citation or Charges

If any driver in the accident violated traffic laws, citations or charges will be included in the report.

Witness Statements

If there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements may be included.

How Do Insurance Companies Use Police Reports?

Insurance companies use car accident reports to determine who was at fault for an accident. Therefore, it can have a significant impact on your car accident claim. An insurance adjuster will review the report to see if any drivers violated any traffic laws, whether any other factors contributed to the accident, if the drivers’ statements at the scene corroborate their stories, and more. If the police report aligns with your version of the events, it can help speed up the claims process and strengthen your negotiating position.

If you have been injured in a Waco car accident, reach out today for a free claim consultation.