Why You Should File a Police Report After a Car Accident?
Many motorists assume it is unnecessary to file a police report after a car accident if it is a minor collision. However, when you are involved in a crash, some injuries may not present symptoms immediately.
Without a police report, you have no supporting documents to help you file a claim when you eventually start experiencing pain or discomfort.
Motorists who file a police report have a stronger case when they seek compensation for property damage, sustained injuries, and other damages. In addition, if you engage a car accident attorney, they will need a copy of the police report to start working on your case.
Having a police report and seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is the best way to protect yourself if you intend to file a claim. These documents provide proof of your injuries and any damages you may have suffered.
The Importance of a Police Report
Car accidents, however minor, often result in injuries and property damage. When you are involved in a collision, you must document the damages to ensure your safety in case you need to file a claim.
One way of protecting yourself is by filing a police report, even if the accident seems minor. In case you are unsure of any damage from the collision, it is always better to be cautious and document the incident.
In addition to providing an accurate report of events, a police report is an impartial third-party document that serves as proof should your case go to trial.
A police report is sometimes more effective as evidence than the parties involved in recollecting events.
Insurance companies also require a police report to assess your claim. Victims who do not file a police report immediately after an accident often weaken their claim by making the incident seem minor and unlikely to cause serious injuries.
What Information Is Contained in a Police Report?
In addition to providing an unbiased account of events, a police report is invaluable for your attorney, insurance company, and even the courts if you make it to trial. The information in a police report may help determine liability and compensation.
Some of the information in a police report may include the following:
- The location where the accident happened.
- Date and time of the accident
- Damage to the vehicles involved.
- Injuries sustained by the drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or any other pirates involved.
- Witness statements
- Witness identifying information.
- Driver’s reports detailing their perspective of events.
- Environmental information at the time of the accident
- The license plate number of the vehicles involved.
- Addresses of involved parties
- Contact information of all drivers involved.
- Insurance information of all drivers involved.
- Officer’s assessment of the accidents
- Photographs of the accident
- Any video footage available from nearby traffic cameras
Even if you are an at-fault driver, it is essential to have a police report. The report ensures that the victims do not fake injuries and damages to claim more compensation.
An official document provides an accurate account of events and protects you from having to pay for false injuries.
How to File a Police Report After an Accident?
If you are involved in an accident, take the following steps to file a police report.
- Call the police immediately after the accident: The police should be your first call.
- Discuss events that led up to the accident with the officer: The police may ask you questions and interview you, other drivers involved, and witnesses to determine the details of the incident.
- Request a copy of the accident report from the police: Once the police file the report, you can usually obtain a copy for yourself and your insurance company after a day.
Should You Call the Police if You are Involved in a Minor Fender Bender and Did Not Suffer Injuries?
No matter how minor the accident, you should always call the police. The investigating officer can help you agree while providing documentation of the event. Sometimes, a driver may seem friendly and cooperative at the scene and later deny all liability.
If you are involved in a minor fender bender that does not result in injuries or significant damages, call the police non-emergency line, and ask for advice.
In addition, calling the police serves as evidence of the collision in case your injuries do not show symptoms until a few hours or days later.
If the police do not come to the collision scene, consider visiting the nearest police station to file a report. Ensure you exchange information with the parties involved before leaving the accident scene.
Get witness names and contact information while taking note of the exact location of the collision. You can also take pictures and video evidence of the vehicles involved from multiple angles to serve as evidence.
What If the Police Tell You to Exchange Information?
Sometimes, if the accident is minor with no casualties, the police may tell you to exchange information with the other party involved. At the least, ensure you get the following information:
- Full name
- Contact information.
- Insurance company
- Policy number
- Driver’s license
- License plate number
- Make and model of the vehicle involved, including shape and color.
If the driver is different from the person listed on the insurance policy, establish the relationship, and write down the name and address of the insured individual.
Request official documents such as a driver’s license to copy personal information. This allows you to verify their information and protects you from uninsured drivers who may try to give you false names.
If the other parties involved are unwilling to give you their information, call the police and insist they stay until the police arrive.
You can also call the other party’s insurance company from the accident scene if any information you receive seems suspicious.
Most importantly, do not provide any details about the accident to their insurance company. Your attorney or insurance company can provide the accident details after consultation.
Summary
When filing a personal injury claim, you must have solid evidence, which includes a police report. A car accident attorney can offer legal guidance and help you make a successful claim.
Whether you have suffered lost wages, vehicle damage, or medical expenses, having an experienced attorney on your team enables you to get fair compensation. Read more on:- https://worldundrone.com/.
