Sugar Land, TX Accident Reports

Getting into an accident is stressful. Amid the chaos, it’s easy to miss a few essential things. One thing you may not be aware of is the police report from your accident.

If you were involved in an accident in Sugar Land, Texas, then the police department or sheriff’s office may have responded and arrived at the scene. When a law enforcement officer responds to an accident in Sugar Land, generally they will write a police report.

This report could be crucial if you need to file a personal injury or insurance claim related to the accident. An accident report is essential because it may:

• Indicate who is at fault;
• Mention possible injuries;
• Include a diagram and other details about the accident; and
• Have information about witnesses to the accident.

In many cases, a police report is one of the most critical pieces of evidence you will have. This report could make or break a personal injury claim. A police report might also indicate whether a police officer thought you were at fault for an accident.

While unpleasant, it is better to know this information beforehand, so you can explore your options on how to respond. The last thing you want is to be surprised by evidence that contradicts your claim.

What If a Police Officer Was Not Present?

If an officer or deputy did not respond to your accident, you might not have a Sugar Land police report. If there is not a police report, you may want to document the accident as best as you can.

Immediately after an accident, it is a good idea to take pictures of the damage and collect information from possible witnesses. Then, when you get home, try to recount the accident in writing with as much detail as you can. These steps could help you even if there is a police report.

How Do I Obtain a Sugar Land Police Report?

Sugar Land accident reports are usually obtained by the department that responded to the accident. Texas peace officers also file their police reports with the Texas Department of Transportation.

You have two options for obtaining a Sugar Land police report. Option 1 is to go to the Records Unit of the Sugar Land Police Department, located at 1200 Highway 6 S. The phone number is (281) 275-2500. The records unit is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must pay in cash or by check. The cost is $6 for a regular copy or $8 for a certified copy.

If you’d rather purchase online, visit the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Crash Records Information System portal. If an officer filed a report, they have 10 days to submit it to TxDOT. It typically takes another four days for the report to appear in the portal. You can buy a certified or uncertified copy, a redacted copy (which hides your personal information), or a non-redacted copy. Legal proceedings typically require certified copies, including a “Copy from Custodial File” stamp, the Custodian of Motor Vehicle Crash Records signature, and an official TxDOT seal.

While it may be possible to obtain these records on your own, the process of obtaining a police report can often be overwhelming or confusing. Because of this, some people never bother to get their accident reports.

Never hesitate to have a car accident lawyer obtain this report for you. 

How Your Attorney Will Use the Police Report

Your Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP personal injury attorney is pivotal in seeking justice and compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered. The police report is one of the primary tools they’ll use to support your case. Here’s a look at how they’ll use it. 

Scrutinizing the Details

First, your attorney will scrutinize the police report to establish the facts of the wreck. They’ll meticulously examine details such as the accident’s date, time, and location, as well as descriptions of the vehicles involved. These details will clearly explain how the accident unfolded and who may be responsible for your injuries.

Looking at Witness Statements

Your lawyer will also carefully review witness statements included in the police report. These statements provide valuable insight into the perspectives of those who saw what happened. By analyzing these accounts, your attorney can identify any inconsistencies or discrepancies that could impact the credibility of opposing parties or support your version of events.

Checking for Citations

In addition, your attorney will pay close attention to any citations or charges resulting from the accident. For instance, if police cited the other party for reckless driving or driving under the influence, this information can strengthen your case by highlighting their negligence. 

Diagrams and Sketches

The police report may include diagrams or sketches of the accident scene. If so, they can help reconstruct the sequence of events and clarify factors such as the positioning of vehicles and traffic signs. Your lawyer can use these diagrams to present a compelling argument regarding how the accident occurred.

Determining Fault

The police report may also include the officer’s determination of fault. Even though this opinion isn’t binding in civil court, it can carry significant weight. The opinion can also influence negotiations with insurance companies or opposing parties. Your attorney can use this assessment to convince the opposition you deserve fair compensation.

As you can see, the police report can be a valuable tool for your car accident attorney in building a solid case.

Obtain Your Free Sugar Land Accident Report

It is understandable to not want to go through the hassle of obtaining a Sugar Land accident report on your own. Fortunately, at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we are willing to get your Sugar Land police report for you free of charge.

The last thing you want to do after an accident is to go back and forth with a government office to get a report. Let us take care of it for you. Our personal injury team has a lot of experience requesting these reports and handling personal injury claims.

If you have been in an accident, you have more than enough to deal with already. Contact us today for your free consultation and accident report.

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

Get in touch with Scott Armstrong now.