Do you know what steps to take after a car accident?
Wondering whether you need a car accident police report?
One of the most important things you should do after getting into an auto accident is to file a car accident police report. Obtaining an official police report can help you in many ways and will ensure that everything following the accident goes as smoothly as possible.
Below we’ll tell you why you need to get a police report after you experience a car accident.
You’ll Have All the Facts About the Accident
A police report will serve as a factual document that doesn’t just rely on opinion or hearsay. The document will include many relevant facts about the accident including the date, time, accident location, weather conditions, and vehicles involved.
This information can be invaluable for attorneys, insurance companies, and anyone else involved in proceedings related to the accident. An insurance company will come to its own conclusions when determining fault apart from what the police report says. However, the facts on the report will be helpful for them when making a decision.
Insurance Companies Will Ask For It
When you contact your insurance company, one of the first things they’ll likely ask for is a police report. An insurance claim can take some time, but having a police report ready can help the process to go more smoothly.
By getting a police report, insurance companies will have a reliable document to refer to regarding the accident. This will help them when evaluating claims and will make it more likely that you’ll get the compensation you deserve.
If opinions between parties differ, the police report will help insurance companies to make a decision with all of the facts on hand.
You May Notice Damage Later On
A full police report can also help you in case any injuries or vehicle issues don’t show up immediately.
Whether the accident was minor or major there will sometimes be cases in which an injury only appears days or even weeks after the accident. You may also notice more damage to your vehicle after the accident has passed.
When filing a police report, the officer may be able to spot damage you may have missed. If you do notice more damage later on, then a police report can also be helpful when trying to seek the compensation you deserve.
It Can Serve As Evidence In Court
Another reason that it’s important to get a police report is that it can help serve as evidence during legal proceedings.
A police report can typically be used in small claims court and can help if there are any further legal issues to take care of after the accident occurs. This evidence may be essential for either winning your case or defending yourself against the other party.
It Can Protect You From Fraud
If you’re at fault in the auto accident, then having a police report can also help to protect you from auto insurance fraud.
If the other party tries to fake an injury or vehicle damage then you may find yourself in a tough situation. Having the police report can ensure that the other party doesn’t try to get money from you due to injuries or car problems that didn’t actually occur as a result of the accident.
Understanding the Importance of a Car Accident Police Report
If you’re wondering what steps to take after an accident, getting a car accident police report should be one of the highest on the list. By getting a police report you’ll protect yourself and will ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible between you and the other party involved.
Need help with your auto accident? Click here to learn how Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo, P.C. can help you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
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