Brockton, MA Auto Accident Attorney Discusses the Importance of a Police Report
As a consequence of being involved in an auto accident you are going to want to have a detailed report of the occurrence. These types of accidents are usually investigated by the local or state police, and they are who will take the report. The report will include the officer’s observations as well
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What Are Police Reports and What Do They Contain?
An average police report from the scene of an auto accident will contain:
• Date, Time and Location of the accident
• The drivers personal information
• Details describing the scene
• Personal information from any witnesses involved or near the scene
• Description of the accident itself
• The weather at the time of the incident
• Description of any vehicles involved -
Why are Police Reports important?
These documents can be crucial in aiding your attorney in representing your case. They will later be used by your attorney in negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive adequate compensation. There are many reasons why a police report will be an important part of your claim, some of them include:
1. The Defendant Was Present
If taken at the scene of the accident they can prove that the defendant was present at the scene. In some cases a defendant might claim that they were not present at the time of the accident and were elsewhere. In a case like that if there is no police report than it is your word against the defendant. A report will corroborate your story and prove the accident occurred and the defendant was present.
2. Uninsured Driver
A police report is required if you are trying to seek compensation from an uninsured driver. In this case you need a police report that was filed within 24 hours of the accident in order to make an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance.
3. Hit and Run
Police reports are also required in order to seek recovery in hit and run accidents. If a vehicle has fled the scene of the accident and is unidentified, you will need a police report that was filed within 24 to submit a claim. This situation is similar to that involving an uninsured driver.
These are merely some of the reasons why filing a police report after an accident is important, there are many more. -
Be Detailed and Honest When Filing Your Report:
In the aftermath of an accident you may find yourself upset and shook up, however it is very important that you remain calm. You should give your best effort to give an accurate and detailed report of that accident.
This will be crucial when filing a claim later on. You should also make sure that you are being completely honest with the officer who is taking your report. You should never lie, this could cause more issue later on and can even result in your case being delayed, and I a worst case scenario you may be charged for lying in a police report.
