Best Car Accident Lawyers in Baytown

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Baytown, Texas?

  The Baytown Police Department's non-emergency telephone number is 281-422-8371.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Baytown, Texas?

  Residents may request and obtain car accident reports from the Baytown Police Department's Records Division. The department is open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., from Monday to Friday, and it is located at 3200 North Main Street. As an alternative, people who wish to obtain and pay for a report through a credit card can visit the Texas Department of Transportation's Crash Report Online System at https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home/welcome.

• Is it required to report a car accident in Baytown?

  In line with Texas law, a car crash or collision in Baytown must be reported if it resulted in any injuries or fatalities. Involved parties are also required to report an accident if the resulting property damage exceeds $1,000, or if a vehicle cannot be driven away due to serious damage. Reports are submitted to both the local police and the Texas Department of Transportation.

• Is auto insurance required for drivers in Baytown?

  Yes, Texas law dictates that all motorists in Baytown should possess sufficient car insurance to cover the initial costs of medical care and property damage in the wake of a possible accident. The minimum amounts required by state law are $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for damaged property. These can be supported by uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in cases against drivers who have insufficient or no auto insurance.

• Who is liable for a car accident caused by bad weather in Baytown?

  Drivers in Baytown who fail to observe speed limits and adjust their driving accordingly amidst bad weather conditions can be held liable if they cause an accident. The presence of inclement weather requires all motorists on the road to practice increased caution as part of their duty of care to other drivers. Government agencies may also be held liable if inadequate road maintenance and design contribute to poor driving conditions in the middle of heavy weather and influence an accident.

• What are the requirements involved in a wrongful death claim in a car accident case within Baytown?

  Under Texas law, plaintiffs of car accident cases within Baytown can file a wrongful death claim if they are a statutory beneficiary of the deceased and if their passing is caused by the at-fault party through negligence or wrongful actions. Statutory beneficiaries include spouses, children, and parents, as well as stepchildren and stepparents if adoption processes have been completed. Grandparents, siblings, divorced spouses, and biological parents whose legal parenting rights have been terminated are not eligible to file.

• Are car accidents prevalent within Baytown?

  Yes, car crashes and collisions are a relatively common occurrence within Baytown. In 2020 alone, the city experienced more than 1,800 total accidents, contributing to over 90,000 crashes throughout Harris County in the same year. 181 of these accidents featured unknown injuries, while 13 resulted in fatalities. In addition, there were 147 and 53 cases of suspected minor and major injuries, respectively.