Normally police in their report will put both drivers’ insurance information plus you should also trade this information at the scene of the accident so you will be able to contact the at-fault's insurance company right away to make a claim. It would appear that the other driver did not give their information to you or the police which is unfortunate. If you however do have the other driver's information on the police report you may want to contact him or her directly to get their insurance information.
The TDI and TX DPS note that after an accident one should:
- Get the other driver’s name, address, telephone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Give the other driver the same information about you.
- Write down the insurance company name and the policy number exactly as shown on the other driver’s proof-of-insurance card. Insurance companies often have similar names, so make sure you get the correct company name.
- Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Your company probably has a 1-800 number to report claims. If not, call your agent. The agent or company will advise you about seeing an adjuster and getting repair estimates. Also, give your agent or company the names and addresses of any witnesses and anyone injured.
- If you reported your claim by phone, follow up in writing as soon as possible to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt payment of claims laws.
- Send the company copies of the accident report and any legal papers you receive about the accident.
- Cooperate with the company’s investigation. You might have to submit a proof-of-loss form or have a medical examination.
The TDI also notes that if the other driver refuses to tell you the name of his or her insurance company, get a copy of the police accident report. The accident report should list the other driver’s name and insurance company. Unfortunately yours does not seem to have this information listed so you may want to contact the police listed on the report to find out why not and if they can investigate and obtain the at fault party's insurance information for you.
If you are unable to get information on the other driver's insurance carrier and you have collision insurance on your truck that was hit, you can place a claim under this portion of your physical damages coverages.
We contacted the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to find out what specific agency or department in TX will be able to help you find out the auto insurance information of the party that rear-ended your vehicle. Their response was that currently there is not a database that stores that information, at this time.
The Texas Department of Public Safety may have information on the person's insurance carrier. This agency does keep files of SR-22 forms that show the insurance companies of people convicted of DWI or driving without insurance. To see if the other driver's insurance information is listed with the DPS contact their Customer Service Bureau at 512-424-2600 and see if they can help you locate the insurer of the person who rear-ended you so that you can place a claim.
As we mentioned about if you are unable to find out the person's insurance carrier you may have to file suit against the person or file the claim with your company (if you have full coverage) then your company can then turn around and subrogate that person.
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