What should I tell the police after a truck crash?

Due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries and vehicle damage resulting from truck accidents are often severe. If the accident caused injury or death, or if there was damage to at least one person’s property totaling $1,000 or more, Texas law requires you to call the police.

Why You Need a Police Report

Even if no one appears to be hurt and the vehicle damage is minimal, you should still call the police so they can file a report. You’ll need a police report in order to:

  • Establish liability. A police report will typically include a description of the accident scene, a diagram of vehicle locations, and the officer’s opinion regarding the cause of the collision. Your attorney can review this report in order to get a better idea of what happened and how to best represent you.
  • Facilitate a settlement. Insurance companies typically won’t require a copy of the police report unless the accident was a hit and run or some other crime was committed. However, providing a copy of the police report to your insurance company will likely expedite your claim.
  • Provide documentation. Even if the truck driver initially admits fault, you can’t be sure that his story won’t change later on. A police report will document his admission of guilt, and will be invaluable in the event of future litigation.

Speaking With the Police Officer

Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, but it’s important that you give the officer your full attention when speaking with him. Tell him exactly what happened, but don’t speculate or guess about anything. If you’re not certain of some facts, just tell the officer you don’t know. Should the truck driver or any witnesses make statements to the police that you feel are inaccurate, do not attempt to refute them. You’ll have the opportunity to do so later.

Speak With an Attorney

When you’re the victim of a truck accident, you deserve compensation for the harm you have suffered. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

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