The aftermath of an auto accident can be an overwhelming and confusing time. You may not know which party was at fault for the collision, how to go about pursuing compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage, or what evidence is needed to strengthen your claim. Filing a police report after a car crash is one way you can significantly strengthen your case if you were involved in a motor vehicle collision with a negligent driver.
What Information In a Police Report Can Help My Accident Claim?
A police report is filled out by law enforcement when they respond to the scene of an auto accident. A police report provides attorneys and insurance companies with an unbiased account of the collision, which can help strengthen your claim if the other driver was at fault.
Information in a police report that can help your claim includes:
- A description of your injuries
- A description of any vehicle damage or other personal property damage
- Witness statements and contact information
- Statements made by the other driver and passengers
- Any citations issued or arrests made
- The responding law enforcement officer’s opinion regarding which party was negligent
- A description of road and weather conditions
- A diagram of the crash site
A claims adjuster will obtain a copy of the police report to help them determine which driver was responsible for the accident. An attorney can also use an accident report during settlement negotiations to increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your accident-related damages.
How Filing An Accident Report Can Help Your Claim
By filing a police report, you’ll have an unbiased account of the accident. Because the police officer must include information regarding any injuries sustained or vehicle damage, the report can help link your injuries and vehicle damage to that specific collision.
The report will also note whether any party was issued a citation for traffic violations, or if any arrests were made. For example, if the other driver was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this can help your car accident attorney prove the other driver acted negligently.
Am I Required By Law to File a Police Report After a Car Crash?
In Texas, you are required to file a police report within ten days of the accident if the collision results in bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
In some cases, you won’t need to hire a car accident attorney to handle your claim. However, if multiple parties are involved, you were injured, or liability is disputed, a car accident lawyer can build a strong case that can prove the other driver was negligent and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you recover the compensation you need to cover your accident-related expenses.
Your car accident lawyer will obtain a copy of the police report and use it when negotiating with the claims adjuster. The information in the accident report can help prove you were injured, your vehicle was damaged, and the other party was responsible for the collision.
Contact Us Today
If you have been involved in a car accident with a negligent motorist, it is important to take immediate action to protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. By working with an experienced car accident attorney from the Moore Law Firm, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your losses. Contact the Moore Law Firm today to schedule a free legal consultation and let us help you pursue the settlement and justice you deserve.