If you suffered injuries in a car accident in Waco, Texas, you may need a copy of the police report to submit an insurance claim.
The police report provides a variety of important information that you need to document your claim and prove that the other party was responsible for your damages.
Depending on the details of your claim, you could be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills and any lost income you incurred, as well as pain and suffering and other related damages.
Getting copies of Waco police reports is fairly simple if you have the necessary information for contacting the Waco police department.
To help you accomplish this objective, we have compiled some basic information about how to get yours.
If you have any questions, please contact a Waco car accident lawyer at Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. today.
What Happens After a Car Accident in Waco?
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, you should follow take these steps:
- Get off the road to a safe place,
- Call 911,
- Assess yourself for any injuries,
- Gather information and take photos of the accident scene and vehicles involved,
- Collect the contact information of those involved in the accident and any witnesses, and
- Do not comment on the accident or admit fault.
Once the Waco police arrive, they will ask you to provide your information and tell them your version of the events that took place.
Using this information and the statements of the other involved parties, the officer will complete and file a crash report detailing the events of the accident.
The officer who takes your information and statement at the crash scene should provide you with a report number.
If they don’t volunteer this information, request the reporting officer’s name and badge number along with the accident report number.
Obtaining a copy of your police report is important, but it’s not as important as seeking medical attention. Go to a local emergency room, or see a qualified physician as soon as possible for a thorough exam.
This ensures you get any necessary medical treatment and provides critical information for documenting your insurance claim.
How to Obtain a Copy of an Accident Report in Waco, Texas
According to the City of Waco’s website, you can obtain a copy of a Waco, TX accident report by contacting the police department directly at their non-emergency number, 254-750-7500, or by visiting the police headquarters at 3115 Pine Ave in Waco.
The Waco Police Department doesn’t have the ability to provide reports online, but they do work with two third-party providers, CarFax CrashDocs and the LexisNexis BuyCrash database.
You can obtain your report from either of those sources from the comfort and safety of your home.
How Much Does a Waco Car Accident Report Cost?
If you obtain a Waco, TX accident report directly from the Waco Police Department, the cost is $6.00. If you use CrashDocs, the cost is also $6.00, but it may take several days to obtain the report.
Ordering your report from PoliceReports costs $11.00, but it takes only 24 hours to obtain.
If you want to get your report online, you will need a debit or credit card to place the order.
You should also be prepared to enter your name, the names of any other drivers who were involved, the date that the accident took place, and the police report number issued by the officer at the scene.
Finally, you will need a current email address, as that’s how the provider will deliver your copy of the report.
Once you obtain your report, make several copies and keep the documents in a safe location, along with any other information you may have regarding the accident.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer Get a Crash Report in Waco?
In Waco, car accident attorneys can pull your crash report for you.
In fact, an experienced Waco car accident lawyer has the resources to obtain virtually any type of evidence or information that may be necessary for documenting your case.
If you choose to hire a Waco car accident lawyer to handle your case, you won’t have to worry about going to the police station to request the crash report or entering your credit card information online.
How Else Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
In addition to helping you get a copy of the accident report, your car accident attorney can provide you with several clear advantages.
Your attorney will help protect your legal rights and handle every aspect of your case.
This includes investigating and gathering evidence, submitting a demand to the insurance company, and negotiating to get you the best possible settlement. If necessary, your Waco car accident lawyer can file a civil lawsuit and fight for you in court.
Attorneys have the resources necessary to accomplish these objectives on your behalf. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company, their attorneys, and anyone else involved in your case.
This lets you focus on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back on track.
Having an attorney can also maximize your claim’s value. Your legal team will identify all your physical, emotional, and financial damages and document them appropriately.
Your attorney may call upon subject-matter experts to provide opinions or testimony regarding the severity of your injuries and how they might affect your life or your ability to perform your job duties.
Contact a Waco Car Accident Attorney for Help
Never provide any statement to the insurance company or discuss any potential settlement until you explore your options.
If you have questions about obtaining a Waco accident report or if you would like to learn more about how a car accident lawyer can help you, the experienced Texas personal injury lawyers at The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. can help.
We offer a free case evaluation, and we never charge any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. To learn more or to speak with a Waco car accident attorney, contact us now.