- May 15, 2019
- Car Accidents
For some reason, people think calling the police to the scene of an accident will make it more complicated. They figure if they just trade insurance information with the other driver everything will be fine. However, this is not the case. Two rules of thumb when it comes to a car accident is (1) always get a police report and (2) always get medical treatment. The biggest mistake you can make is not getting a police report. It provides all the information you need for filing your claim and taking legal action.
Most people have been involved in some kind of car accident. Usually, they’re minor and nobody suffers any significant injuries. What typically happens is the two drivers get out of the car. They both say it’s the other person’s fault. Sometimes they argue a little bit. But, for the most part, they usually agree to just exchange insurance information and be on their way. They figure if they call the cops, they’ll be stuck at the scene for hours. They’re afraid they’ll be late for work or home. They take pictures of their vehicles with their cell phones. They may even call someone and let them know they were in an accident. If the damage to their car isn’t bad, they usually say, “We can handle this, right? There’s no need to call the police.”
You should never agree to not call the police if you’ve been in a car accident. Regardless of who is at fault, it’s always a good idea to call the police. You have no idea who you’re dealing with. The other driver could give you phony insurance information. Or, he maybe he isn’t insured and asks you to just send him a bill for the repairs. For all you know, the other driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Your Greenwood Car Accident Lawyer Will Advise that You Call the Police
There are a lot of obvious reasons you should always call the police after you’ve been in an accident. You’re going to need the police report for your insurance claim. You want the police to observe the scene and the other driver immediately following the accident.
The other driver may not have car insurance. They may give you invalid insurance information. They may not even give you their actual name and contact information. Some people don’t have a valid driver’s license and they’re afraid they’ll get arrested.
The police report will also provide you with the name and contact information for any eye witnesses. People are more likely to cooperate with the police than a stranger. If you ask for eyewitness information, they may be afraid to give it to you. If you ask a random motorist for their name and phone number, they’re going to think you’re crazy. Nobody wants to get involved in your accident. Let the police get this information for you.
Greenwood Car Accident Attorneys Need the Police Report for Your Case
A police report has important information that your Greenwood car accident attorney needs to settle your claim. There is no way to get this information later. If you don’t call the police, you lose the chance to get vital information. Some of the information contained in a police report is:
- The names and insurance information for all involved
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Witness information
- Description of road conditions
- Statements from both drivers
- Statements from passengers
- A professional opinion of how the accident may have occurred
- Proof that a driver was drunk or impaired at the time of the accident
Your insurance claim may be denied. Insurance companies deny claims for a variety of reasons. If your Greenwood car accident attorney isn’t able to negotiate a settlement of your claim, he’ll have to file a lawsuit. The information in the police report is critical to a civil suit. Your lawyer will have to prove that you weren’t at fault. This is a lot easier to do if he has documentation that the other driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs.
Contact a Greenwood Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, contact a Greenwood car accident lawyer today. He’ll be able to communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. He will also take whatever legal action is necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule your initial consultation today. It is absolutely free and it gives you a chance to ask your lawyer any questions you may have.
