The information contained in a police report can serve as important evidence for any car accident claims
A police report can be a crucial piece of evidence in a car accident injury claim. The police report allows all the facts related to the accident to be captured right away, before the involved parties have a chance to forget important details or change their mind about their testimony. This makes it easier to prove liability for the injuries and property damage related to the accident when you are making your car accident injury claim later on.
How to Get a Police Report
According to the California Vehicle Code, a police report is mandatory after any accident involving injuries or death. There are two ways to get a police report: have an officer come to the scene of the accident and create one, or make your own report within 24 hours. The best way to tell which is appropriate for your situation is to call the local police or California Highway Patrol and describe what is going on. They will then determine the best course of action.
If you have been in an accident involving serious injuries or death, extensive property damage, and/or a suspected crime or traffic infraction, it is highly likely the police will come to make a report. Their report will include:
- Basic information about the accident, including names and contact information for all involved parties
- A description of injuries and damages
- Witness statements about how the accident happened
- Notes on whether any involved parties were arrested or ticketed
- The officer’s judgement of liability—in other words, their assessment of who caused the accident
Regardless of whether or not an officer comes to the scene of your accident, you should note all of the above information yourself and take pictures of the accident. You can then use this information to make your own report to the police.
What if You Disagree with the Officer’s Report?
It is very important to review the police report after the officer makes it. If you cannot do this at the scene of the accident, you can visit the police station later to request a copy for review. Some mistakes, like spelling a name wrong or misidentifying the make or model of a vehicle, are easy to get corrected. However, if you disagree with the conclusions of the report—such as who was at fault—you will not be able to get it changed. Instead, you should contact an attorney. Your attorney can help line up witnesses who can testify as to the real facts of the matter. If your car accident injury claim proceeds to litigation, your attorney could also cross-examine the reporting officer.
Need Help with a Car Accident Injury Claim?
If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, please contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for help preparing your claim.
