At JML Injury Law, a premier personal injury law firm serving Frisco and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, we understand how confusing and overwhelming a car accident can be. One of the most important steps after a crash is securing a copy of the police report. These documents play a critical role in insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, and determining who is truly at fault. Whether you were involved in a fender bender on the Dallas North Tollway or a serious collision on I-635, a police report could significantly impact the outcome of your case.
In this blog, we’ll explore why police reports matter, how they influence car accident claims in Dallas, how to get one, and what to do if the report contains errors. Our goal is to help you understand how these documents can support your case and protect your rights under Texas law.
What Is a Police Report and Why Is It Important?
A police report, also known as a crash report or accident report, is an official document prepared by a responding law enforcement officer. In Dallas, these are typically created by officers from the Dallas Police Department or the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The report contains vital information including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Contact and insurance information for all drivers involved
- Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Officer observations and preliminary conclusions about fault
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Any citations or violations issued
This objective documentation can be a powerful tool when proving negligence in a personal injury case. Insurance companies and courts often rely on police reports to establish liability and determine compensation.
How Do Police Reports Influence Car Accident Claims in Dallas?
While police reports are not legally binding, they are extremely persuasive in both insurance negotiations and courtroom proceedings. Here are some key ways they influence your claim:
1. Establishing Fault
Officers typically provide a narrative summary of what happened and may indicate who they believe caused the crash. In Texas, which uses a modified comparative negligence rule, being more than 50% at fault can bar you from recovering compensation. A favorable police report can help tip the scales in your favor.
2. Supporting Injury Claims
Police reports often include whether emergency medical services (EMS) were called, if anyone appeared injured, or if anyone was transported to the hospital. This helps substantiate that your injuries were immediate and serious, which supports your damages claim.
3. Documenting the Scene
Reports include diagrams, photos, and road conditions which can support or contradict claims made by the opposing party. These details may be critical if fault is disputed.
4. Strengthening Negotiations
When negotiating with insurance adjusters, a comprehensive and well-written police report can be a persuasive tool to justify your demand for compensation. Insurers often weigh the contents of a report heavily when deciding to accept or deny a claim.
How to Obtain a Police Report After a Dallas Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Frisco, here’s how you can obtain a copy of your police report:
Option 1: Online
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains a Crash Report Online Purchase System:
- Visit: TxDOT Crash Reports
- Reports cost $6 (standard) or $8 (certified copy)
- You’ll need the date of the crash, the location, and the names of those involved
Option 2: Dallas Police Department
- Call or visit the Dallas Police Department Records Section
- You can also email your request or request it by mail
Option 3: Let Your Attorney Handle It
At JML Injury Law, we retrieve all necessary documentation for our clients, including the crash report. This saves you time and ensures we review it for errors right away.
What If the Police Report Is Inaccurate?
Police officers do their best, but mistakes can happen. If the report contains errors or omits key facts, it could negatively impact your case.
Common mistakes include:
- Incorrect vehicle or driver information
- Misstated weather or road conditions
- Failure to include witness testimony
- Misjudgment of fault or accident sequence
If you believe the report is inaccurate:
- Contact the reporting officer and politely request a correction.
- Submit a written statement with your version of events.
- Provide supporting evidence, such as dashcam footage or witness statements.
- Work with your attorney to ensure your side is clearly represented.
Can You File a Claim Without a Police Report?
Yes, but it’s harder. A police report adds legitimacy and structure to your claim. If you failed to report the accident at the scene, Texas law allows you to file a crash report yourself if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. However, it’s always best to have a law enforcement officer file the report.
Keep in mind that insurance companies may view a lack of police report as a red flag. Having one in place can speed up the claims process and help protect you from false accusations.
Why Choose JML Injury Law for Your Dallas Car Accident Case?
At JML Injury Law, we know that even a minor detail in a police report can make or break your case. That’s why our Frisco-based legal team dives deep into every piece of documentation, from crash diagrams to citations issued. We don’t just take the report at face value – we investigate, verify, and, when necessary, challenge the narrative.
We serve car accident victims throughout Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our commitment is to fight for full and fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Police Report
After a car accident in Dallas, securing the police report is one of the most important steps you can take. It provides a foundation for your claim, supports your version of events, and can significantly increase your chances of receiving compensation.
At JML Injury Law, we’re here to help you every step of the way – from obtaining the report to building a rock-solid personal injury case.
Injured in a car accident in Dallas or Frisco? Call JML Injury Law today at 214-764-3600 for a free consultation. We’ll make sure your rights are protected from day one.