What Are Contributing Factors on a Texas Crash Report?
Texas crash reports can be difficult to interpret, with multiple pages and sections that someone who has never seen a police report may not understand. One of the most important sections on a car accident crash report that will be helpful if you wish to file an auto insurance claim is the contributing factors section. For accidents or incidents, contributing factors on a police report refer to the actions, conditions, or circumstances that played a part in the incident occurring. These factors may not be law or traffic violations; however, they are conditions or actions that may have led to the incident. The contributing factors section can help determine who is liable for causing the accident, and determining liability is incredibly important for your car accident attorney when it comes to proving your lawsuit.
How Are Contributing Factors on a Texas Crash Report Documented?
On a Texas crash report, there will be a designated section where the officer will record and list the contributing factors for each involved party. For many crash reports, officers use standardized codes to identify specific contributing factors. The officer may include a code sheet in the police report to help explain what each code means. In addition to the contributing factors designated section, there will be a narrative section where the officer can describe the incident in detail. The narrative section may provide context and explanations of how the contributing factors may have led to the accident.
What Are the Types of Contributing Factors?
When looking at a Texas crash report, there are many common contributing factors you may see listed. Many of the possible contributing factors fall within one of three categories:
- Driver/operator factors: This category includes impairment, distraction, fatigue or illness, speeding, following too closely, disregarding traffic signs or signals, improper turning or lane changes, and failure to yield right-of-way
- Vehicle factors: This category includes mechanical issues, lighting problems, and exceeding the vehicle’s carrying capacity.
- Environmental factors: This category includes weather conditions, road conditions, visibility issues, and animals or objects in the roadway.
Additionally, there are other possible contributing factors that do not fall within one of the three categories listed above. For instance, pedestrian actions, such as pedestrians crossing improperly or unexpectedly, cyclist actions, such as unsafe maneuvers, and other external factors may be listed as contributing factors.
What is the Importance of Contributing Factors on a Peace Officer’s Crash Report?
The contributing factors listed on a Texas crash report can help shed light on what happened before and during the accident. Additionally, the contributing factors can be helpful in establishing liability for the accident in insurance claims and lawsuits. Generally, it takes up to 10 days for a Texas crash report to be released. Insurance companies may use the contributing factors listed in the report to determine who is responsible for the accident, which can help settle the insurance claim. Additionally, if you choose to file a lawsuit for your injuries and damages to your property, the contributing factors may be used during a trial. Although the contributing factors on a peace officer’s crash report do not definitively determine fault, they can be helpful for personal injury lawyers in establishing liability by identifying the officer’s assessment of what factors may have caused the accident.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damages, lost wages, and more. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we understand how damaging an accident can be, and we are here to help fight for your rights. Our experienced Texas car accident lawyers will guide you through the legal process, work to establish the other driver’s negligence, and fight for your right to compensation for your injuries and damages. For a free consultation, call (713) 932-0777.
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