In most situations, you can still file and pursue a personal injury claim even if no police report was made at the scene. A police report is helpful evidence, but it is not legally required to recover compensation after a car accident.

Many crashes – especially minor collisions or delayed-onset injuries – occur without law enforcement involvement. Insurance claims and lawsuits are routinely handled without an official accident report. The key issue is not whether a report exists, but whether you can prove what happened and who was at fault.

Is a Police Report Required to File a Claim?

According to Texas transportation code § 550.026: Immediate Report of Collision:

(a) The operator of a vehicle involved in a collision resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a vehicle to the extent that it cannot be normally and safely driven shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the collision to the:

(1) local police department if the collision occurred in a municipality;

(2) local police department or the sheriff’s office if the collision occurred not more than 100 feet outside the limits of a municipality; or

(3) sheriff’s office or the nearest office of the department if the collision is not required to be reported under Subdivision (1) or (2).

This means that drivers are required to report accidents that involve:

  • Injury or death
  • Vehicle damage that prevents safe driving
  • Damage to government property (highway barriers, fixtures, stop signs, etc).

Any significant personal injury claim will likely involve these elements. That said, failing to make a report does not automatically prevent an injury claim. It can, however, make receiving compensation more difficult. This is because insurance companies and courts usually focus on:

  • Liability (who caused the crash)
  • Damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain, etc.)
  • Evidence supporting your version of events.

A police report is simply one piece of evidence among many.

Why Police Reports Help (But Aren’t a Deal Breaker)

A crash report typically includes:

  • Officer observations
  • Driver and witness information
  • Diagrams of the scene
  • Preliminary fault assessments
  • Weather and road conditions

More importantly, courts tend to default to This documentation makes claims easier because it creates an independent record.

Without one, your case may require more supporting proof, but it is still viable.

How to Prove Your Case Without a Police Report

If no officer responded, you will rely on alternative evidence. Strong documentation can fully replace a police report, but keep in mind that many juries will default to reports in the absence of strong evidnce. That’s why we recommend everyone get a dashcam!

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Useful evidence includes:

1. Photos and videos

  • Vehicle damage
  • License plates
  • Roadway conditions
  • Traffic signs or signals
  • Skid marks or debris
  • Visible injuries

Take photos immediately after the accident. Make sure to photograph both cars and the area of the street where the acciden occured. If you have a dashcam, save the current time and download the video when possible.

2. Witness statements

Independent witnesses can confirm:

  • Who had the right of way
  • Speeding or reckless behavior
  • Signal violations

Even a short written or recorded statement can carry weight.

3. Medical records

Prompt medical treatment connects your injuries to the accident. We recommend that you receive a medical exam within 48-72 hours of your accident. Waiting longer won’t disbar you from receiving compensation, but it will make it easier for the defense to fight your claim.

Delays in care allow insurers to argue:

  • You weren’t really hurt
  • You weren’t hurt as badly as you claim
  • Something else caused the injury

4. Your own written account

As soon as possible, write down:

  • What happened
  • Time and location
  • Traffic signals
  • What the other driver said

Memories fade quickly. Notes taken the same day are often useful later.

When a Police Report Is Especially Important

Even though it is not required, you should always try to involve police if:

  • Someone is injured
  • The other driver denies fault
  • The other driver seems intoxicated
  • A hit-and-run occurs
  • A commercial or government vehicle is involved
  • The other driver refuses to provide information

 

Bottom Line

A police report makes claims easier, but it is not mandatory. Injury claims succeed based on proof – not paperwork alone. With proper documentation, witness support, and medical records, you can still receive compensation even if no officer ever came to the scene.

The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian are ready to provide top-rated legal guidance to any Houston driver with a valid case. Our firm works hard to determine the details of an accident, even in the absence of a police report. Attorney Hilda Sibrian has served the Houston workforce for over 20 years. Hilda Sibrian serves the Houston metropolitan area, including Sugar Land, Missouri City, La Porte, Beaumont, Pasadena, The Woodlands, The Heights, Bellaire, Kingwood, Baytown and of course Houston proper. Call our office today or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.

For more information on how a late medical exam can affect your case, read our article here.