The newly implemented accident response policy instated by Lubbock Police has created some confusion among drivers and insurance agents.
“Obviously a lot of questions,” said Lieutenant Ray Mendoza. “When they call our dispatch and say ‘Hey we have this wreck,’ the dispatchers have certain questions that they have to ask. If it doesn’t meet the criteria, then they’ll just inform the drivers to pull off the roadway and exchange information.”
In the policy, LPD encouraged drivers who were involved in minor traffic accidents to pull over to the side of the road, exchange information, and handle the matter if no one was hurt.
“Nothing’s really changed other than the officers not really responding any more,” Mendoza said. “They’re still going to respond to anybody who is injured. If there’s a crime such as a DWI, and such, they’ll still respond to those no matter what.”
Several insurance agents on the South Plains said they have experienced difficulties in processing claims for drivers who were in fender-benders.
Typically, those companies rely on police reports to help determine fault in the crash, as well as the financial amount that would be processed in the claim.
“We certainly sympathize with the insurance companies that they’re not going to get that, but in the end, they’re tying up police resources for the insurance companies to get that report. In the end, citizens themselves can file those reports just as simple as if an officer went out there,” Mendoza explained.
Some residents were worried about getting false information from the other driver in those minor crashes.
“We’ll listen to anybody’s concerns,” Mendoza replied. “If they expect us to come out there and demand us to come out there, the officer will come out there, and again, go through the same questions that our dispatchers have. And if it meets the criteria for the ‘blue form’ that we call it, then they’ll just assist them in exchanging information.”
That ‘blue form’ he referred to is used to file a report. Residents looking to process a minor accident claim can retrieve the form from the police station located at 916 Texas Avenue. Forms can also be accessed online at lubbockpolice.com.
Mendoza said an officer would respond if the driver believes fake information is being exchanged.
“State law requires you to have a driver’s license, insurance, to operate a motor vehicle inside any roadway. So if they don’t have a driver’s license, that’s a crime and we will respond,” he said.
