When it comes to personal injury cases, it is important that a victim of a car accident file a police report. It is common for victims to fail to contact the police immediately after a car accident. From a legal stance, this is considered an oversight on the victim’s part because in the absence of a police report, it can impact the ability to build a solid personal injury case.
The Scene of the Car Accident
When an accident occurs and the police are contacted, they will commence an investigation at the scene, to determine the details of the crash. The investigator completes what is called a crash report. This can be helpful in the event that you file a personal injury claim because it can add important details that can be used in court to support your claim.
When You Have Sustained an Injury
Having the appropriate documentation in a personal injury claim is vital to your case. There are several documents that can be filed to help support your claim if you have sustained an injury. Filing a police report and keeping track of your medical records will be key to your personal injury claim. The police report will include key details surrounding the car accident including whether or not you sought out medical attention afterwards. If victims of the car accident rejected medical treatment, it will be noted in the police report. It will also indicate whether or not emergency medical services provided you with treatment at the scene of the accident.
Driver’s Information and Their Side of the Story
Police investigation of the car accident is important as they can ensure that all the appropriate identification and documents are gathered while at the scene. If the driver is at fault and didn’t have insurance or the proper identification, it will be noted in the accident report. If this were to occur, it would be beneficial to your case as it would prove negligence on the part of the driver. Police reports also include information regarding whether or not the driver admitted to the accident being their fault. The person who caused the crash will always have their side of the story captured in the police report, regardless of whether or not the accident was their fault.
Attorney Assistance
The first step following a car accident is receiving a free case consultation from an attorney, like personal injury lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts. Having a police report or accident report is crucial because without one, it is not likely that you will be awarded compensation in your personal injury claim. In the event that you find yourself the victim of a car accident, always call the police, regardless of whether or not the driver of the other car wants you to. Without law enforcement there to create a record of the accident, it is far more difficult to file a personal injury claim.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into auto accident practice.
