If another driver leaves you injured in a car accident, the police report can play an important role in your claim and should not be discounted. If you don’t think the accident is especially serious, you may be tempted (or persuaded by the other driver) to deal with the accident between yourselves, but this is not in your best interests and is actually against the law. Instead, if you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, consult with an experienced Freehold, New Jersey, personal injury attorney today.
After Your Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident, you are required to call the police if anyone is injured and/or if there is any property damage over $500. The fact is that nearly every accident amounts to at least $500 in damages, so calling the police is generally necessary. If you’re involved in a car accident, your first order of business should include:
- Removing your vehicle from the flow of traffic to the best of your ability
- Assessing whether anyone is injured (including yourself)
- If anyone is injured, calling 911 and providing any aid you can while waiting for medical help to arrive (the 911 operator will call the police on your behalf)
- If no one appears to be hurt, calling the police to the scene of the accident
- Severe penalties for failing to report
The Police Report
The police officer who shows up to the scene of your accident will write up a report, and this report can be critical to your personal injury claim. Part of the officer’s training and experience includes recording important information from accident scenes. The police report from your accident will likely include the following:
- The police report will contain the basics, such as the date, time, and location of your accident. This information helps you verify the contents of your personal injury claim.
- The police report will include the officer’s take on how he or she believes the accident transpired, including things like whether the other driver was speeding, if weather or the condition of the road played a role, if the other driver was impaired or distracted, and more. While this report won’t be the final word on the matter, it can provide a useful outline for your claim.
- The police report will contain pictures from the scene of the accident that demonstrate property damage to both cars, any visible injuries either of you suffered, and details pertinent to the case.
- The police report will describe any identifiable injuries at the scene. Again, this information can help corroborate your injuries as described in your personal injury claim.
All told, your police report can go a long way toward bolstering your personal injury claim after a car accident.
If You’ve Been Injured by Another Driver’s Negligence, Call a Freehold, NJ, Personal Injury Attorney
If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Lomurro Law in Freehold, New Jersey, are committed to skillfully advocating on your behalf for compensation that covers your full range of damages. We’re on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 732-482-9285 for more information today.