How Police Reports are Used in Car Accident Legal Claims
After a car accident, emergency services are typically called to the scene. This is crucial if anyone is seriously injured as it allows them to receive prompt medical attention. Even if injuries are not severe, calling for emergency services will mean a police officer arrives at the scene. The officer will generally create a police report that details what happened and provides further information that could prove useful in legal claims. Those who have been in a car accident will want to see if there is a report available to provide to the lawyer handling their case, such as the experienced team at mvp accident attorneys who can provide expert guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Getting the Police Report
The police report should be easily accessible for everyone involved in the accident. Those who do need help obtaining or using the police report can get more information from atlantaadvocate.com today. It may be necessary to pay a small fee for the report, but this should be minimal and limited to the costs associated with copying and preparing the report for release. It is a good idea to copy the report once it’s obtained and hold onto the original. A copy can be provided to the lawyer to use for the case.
Confirming the Details of the Accident
The police report will include details of the accident. This includes information for everyone involved, the details about which cars were involved, where the accident occurred, the time of day it occurred, and more. The amount of detail can vary based on what the report requires, what the officer writes down, and the complexity of the situation. In many cases, the officer will determine fault at the scene of the accident and add this to the report. Though it may be possible to show the officer’s determination of fault is incorrect, it is a starting point for legal claims.
Showing How the Accident Occurred
The report should include information about how the accident occurred. This can be discovered through discussions with witnesses, reviewing any footage of the accident from dashcams, and from looking at the scene. Officers with experience in this area will generally be able to create a detailed report that thoroughly discusses how the accident occurred, which can be helpful in determining or proving fault if the case ends up going to negotiations or court.
Discovering Fault for the Accident
As mentioned, the officer will likely determine fault at the scene. If this isn’t the case, the police report can still be helpful in figuring out who is at fault for the accident. The details contained in the report can be used as evidence of what happened. Combined with any footage of the accident, witness statements, damage reports, and other information, it can show exactly what happened to cause the accident and who may have made the mistake that led to an accident occurring.
After a car accident, it is important to get a police report. It may take a few days for the report to be put in the system and available for review, but it should be easily accessible at that point. Those who have been in a car accident will want to show this report to their lawyer, who may be able to use it as evidence during negation or a court case. This can help support legal claims for compensation, enabling the victim to receive a higher settlement.
