If I rear-ended another car at a light and only my car was noticeably damaged, do I still need to call for a police report if both parties have a mutual agreement on payment?
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If I rear-ended another car at a light and only my car was noticeably damaged, do I still need to call for a police report if both parties have a mutual agreement on payment?
Asked on October 28, 2012 under Accident Law, Texas
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I would have to disagree. Counties, states and cities require that a police report be filed for any accident and surely your insurance company is going to want to have a report as well to verify the matter and to pay out on your behalf. Good luck.
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You don't necessarily have to call the police as long as you have swapped contact and insurance information with each other regarding the accident. Whenever you are in a vehicular accident, this is what the law requires. However, it is a good practice to call the police if for no other reason than to document the accident, how the cars were positioned, and who appeared to be at fault. Even though you may have an agreement on the side of the road, things sometimes change down the road after the insurance agents and adjusters get involved. A police report can help document basic things so that it won't just be your word against someone else's later.
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