THP Reports: What You Need To Know
The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) is often called to the scene of a car crash. When they arrive at the scene, THP officers will collect information that they will later include in a report. If you or a loved one has been in an accident in Texas, you may have questions about the details of your THP report. This report will be crucial to any potential case you have against the responsible party.
What Does Texas Law Say About THP Reports?
According to Texas Transportation Code §550.062, any law enforcement officer on duty at the time of the crash must take a report if the crash leads to damage costing at least $1,000 or causes injury to or death of another person.
Obtaining a copy of a THP report after an accident is simple, as the department has set up an external website where all reports can be purchased. If you have hired an attorney to represent your interests, they may be able to obtain a copy for you.
Receiving a copy of the THP report following the accident may take up to two weeks.
How Can I Obtain a Copy of My THP Report?
If you’d like to obtain a copy of your THP report, you’ll need the following information:
- The legal name of at least one party involved in the accident
- The driver’s license number, or the personal ID number, of at least one party involved in the accident
- The 17-digit VIN of at least one of the cars involved in the accident
- The 8-digit TxDOT number assigned to the crash
Without this information, you will only receive a redacted copy of the THP report, which anyone, including members of the media, can obtain.
What Does a THP Report Contain?
A typical THP report contains a lot of information. Below is a list of what you can expect to find on your report after an accident.
The first page of the THP report contains basic information about the accident, including when it happened and who was involved. It may also include details that may affect liability, such as whether helmets were worn (in the event of a motorcycle-involved accident), whether seat belts were worn, or whether one or more of the drivers were under the influence.
The second page typically details any observable injuries, citations issued by the responding officer, and observable property damage. Finally, the last pages will contain a detailed list of all the codes the responding officer used on the previous two pages.
What About Hiring an Attorney?
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, you may think it’s easy to get compensation — especially if the THP report shows that the other party was at fault.
The reality is that even if you can prove that the other party is liable for your injuries, it’s harder to prove that these injuries have irreparably harmed your life. You will have an even more difficult time obtaining the full compensation you deserve for these injuries.
In some cases, insurance companies will offer a settlement that will only cover a fraction of an injured person’s expenses. If the bills are piling up and you are concerned about money, you may take this settlement without knowing the full extent of your rights.
Once you receive a copy of your THP report, consider taking it to a free consultation with an attorney before deciding how to pursue your claim. By weighing your options and making an informed decision, you can protect your rights.
Contact The Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861