Have you ever been involved in a car accident and wondered what to do next?
There are different things to do after a car accident. The first is seeking medical attention. Once that has been taken care of, the next most important thing is to file a police report.
Many car accidents you see or hear about today are investigated by the police. Typically, they
- Arrive at the scene of the crash
- Take pictures and videos of the accident site
- Interview eyewitnesses and the drivers involved
- Document injuries sustained
- Inspect the cars involved in the crash
- Write a comprehensive accident report of what happened
Most car accident victims make the mistake of not contacting the local police following a car accident and also not obtaining a police report. They may think it’s unimportant but will realize later that they need the police report to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or if they start experiencing symptoms of an injury days after the crash.
Here is basically the information you’ll find in a police report:
- The date, time, and place of the car accident
- The contact information of the at-fault driver and the insurance company
- Statement from the parties involved and eyewitnesses
- A thorough description of the incident
- A diagram to show the scene of the accident and the point of impact
- Citations
Why Is Filing A Police Report Important?
A police report is an unbiased and official record of a car accident. Here are the most important reasons you should file a police report after a car accident.
It Ensures Transparency And Protects You From Fraud
A police report contains nonbiased and official details, including witness statements and police observation, guaranteeing fairness in legal proceedings and eradicating fraudulent claims.
In some cases, the at-fault driver may fabricate or overexaggerate injuries and damages. A police report helps to establish the truth, making it hard for untrue claims to succeed.
It Provides Key Evidence In Court
If your case results in a lawsuit, a police report will become necessary evidence. A police report includes a description of the accident scene, witness statements, and observations and reports of the officer who investigated the crash. All of these will strengthen your case in court.
It Supports Your Insurance Claim
A police report serves as a solid foundation for your case when seeking compensation from your insurance company or that of the at-fault party. The report verifies the facts of the accident and helps streamline the process of your claim.
It Aids In Establishing the Fault
The court and insurance companies use police reports to determine the liable party for the car accident. The police report is handy, especially when deciding who will be financially responsible for your injuries and damages.
It Offers Legal Protection
A well-written police report offers a solid layer of legal protection. If there’s a disagreement later, whether with the other driver, an insurance company, or even in court, the police report is there to back you up. It’s an official record that can verify your version of events and help settle disputes.
Let’s say the other driver claims you were speeding, but the police report shows you weren’t. That report becomes a powerful piece of evidence to support your case. If things escalate to court, having this kind of solid documentation can really back your version of events.
Police Report Gives You Peace Of Mind
Finally, it gives peace of mind. Knowing that your car accident has been recorded officially and you have documented the event will offer a sense of security as you work your way around the aftermath of a car accident.
