Anderson Injury Lawyers | August 9, 2023 | Car Accidents
It is almost always best to call the police if you are involved in a car accident in Dallas, Texas. In some cases, you are legally required to contact the police after a car accident. However, to protect yourself and your rights, you may want to call the police even if the law does not require you to.
You May Be Legally Required To Call the Police After a Car Accident in Dallas
You should immediately call 911 to alert the police if anyone is injured in a car accident. Texas law requires that you report a car accident if it results in any of the following:
- Death.
- Physical injury.
- Property damage of $1,000 or more.
You could be charged with a serious criminal offense if you fail to report an accident in one of the three categories listed above. Keep in mind that $1,000 can add up quickly, so it is best to err on the side of caution.
Call 911 If You Are Involved in a Hit and Run Accident in Dallas
The Dallas Police Department instructs drivers involved in a hit-and-run accident to call 911 and have a Dallas Police Officer make the proper state and local reports. If another driver leaves the accident location without providing the required information, you should stay and wait for the police.
Texas law does not make any exceptions for leaving the scene of an accident. If you were the victim of a hit-and-run but failed to contact the police and stay at the location, you would be violating state law, and the Dallas Police Department would not be able to investigate the case properly.
Call the Police After a Car Accident in Dallas To Protect Your Interests
Even if there were no injuries or property damage, and you were not involved in a hit-and-run, you should still call the police to report your accident. Calling the police after a minor accident can help protect you and your rights in the following ways:
- A police officer can provide an objective report of the accident.
- A police officer’s report can state who appears to be at fault.
- An officer can provide security and calm tempers when a driver is uncooperative, angry, or belligerent.
- Having an accident report protects you if you later realize you have injuries that were not immediately obvious.
- If you later realize you need to claim damages, you will likely need a police report.
- Your insurance company may require a police report.
You may request a copy of the accident report by mail or in person at Dallas Police Department, 1400 Bontham Jean, Dallas, Texas 75215. The report may be obtained for $6 and is usually available 5 to 7 business days after the accident. When requesting the report, having the driver’s name, accident location, and accident date is helpful.
What Else Should I Do After a Car Accident in Dallas?
Besides calling 911, there are several things you should do to help protect yourself and others. Consider taking the following steps if you have been involved in an accident as a driver or passenger:
- Always remain at the scene of the accident.
- If you can, move to a safe space away from oncoming traffic.
- Check on others involved in the accident if you are able.
- Exchange vehicle insurance, registration, and contact information with other drivers.
- Do not discuss fault with anyone at the scene.
- Take notes and photographs if you can safely do so.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Stay off social media.
- Start a diary of how you feel, what you experience, and all your conversations about the accident.
- Keep a copy of all documents you receive related to the accident or injuries.
- Obtain a copy of the police report.
- Contact an experienced Dallas personal injury attorney you can trust to evaluate your case.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
