Our Mobile, AL Car Accident Attorneys Explain How a Police Report Can Impact Your Claim
According to Forbes, “You will file a claim for a collision about once every 17.9 years.” Most people are involved in some type of wreck at some point in their lives.
However, countless people aren’t sure what to do after they’re involved in an accident. At Long & Long, one question our Mobile, AL car accident lawyers get from clients is whether it’s important to have the police come to the scene after an accident.
The answer is yes.
After a car accident, it’s always important to contact the police. One of the reasons this is necessary is so that a police report can be filed. Continue reading to learn why you need a police report after a car accident.
What Does a Police Report Contain?
A police report consists of important information related to your incident. For a vehicle accident, a police report may include:
The Date and Location that the Accident occurred
The report should include the time, day, month, and year. Additionally, the report will contain details about the location, such as road markers and weather conditions.
Information about the Drivers and their Vehicles
This includes the contact information of each driver, such as their name, phone number, date of birth, driver’s license number, and address. The report will also list details about the vehicles involved, such as year, model, and color.
Statements from any Witnesses
In some cases, it can be difficult to conclude who is liable for an accident. Witness statements, which may be included in the police report, can help bring clarity to what happened and who should be held responsible.
Violations of the Law
Some accidents are caused by a driver’s failure to obey traffic laws. If this is the case, the report may contain information that states if any of the drivers involved received a citation.
Alabama State Law Requires a Police Report
In the state of Alabama, drivers involved in a collision are required by law to have a police report filed if:
- The accident involved a personal injury.
- The accident resulted in a fatality.
- The property damage exceeds $250.
If your accident does not fall under one of these categories, it is still in your best interest to contact the police.
How Can a Police Report Support Your Claim?
Many people hesitate to involve the police after a vehicle accident.
This is a mistake that can not only reduce your chances of receiving compensation but, in some cases, goes against the law.
While your compensation amount will ultimately be decided by an insurance company, a police report can serve as vital evidence. Many times, insurance adjusters will look at police reports during the claims process. Your attorney can use the report to help support your case and prove that the other party was responsible for your injuries.
For this reason, our team recommends that you always contact the police after a vehicle accident and obtain a copy of the report.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
Once you contact the police after an accident, keep these tips in mind to protect your legal rights and any compensation you may be entitled to receive:
Tip #1 – Document everything related to your Accident
The police report can play a significant role in proving fault, but it’s also important that you document everything related to the accident. This can include photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, copies of medical bills, and any missed time from work.
Tip #2 – Seek Medical Attention
With some injuries, symptoms may not arise immediately after your accident. Even if you don’t feel any pain right after the wreck, be sure that you’re evaluated by a medical professional. Waiting to seek medical attention can have a negative impact on your claim.
Tip #3 – Inform your Insurance Company
Even if the accident was not your fault, you should still inform your personal insurance company that you were involved in a collision.
What Is Compensation?
Compensation is a financial award granted to an injured person to help cover damages related to their accident. In order to determine if you’re eligible to obtain compensation for damages, our team of Mobile, AL car accident attorneys will need to review the specific circumstances of your case.
Compensation can help cover the following damages related to a vehicle accident:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Lost wages
Were You Injured in an Accident? We Can Help.
At Long & Long, we understand that car accidents are stressful, especially when your medical bills are increasing and you’re unable to work due to your injuries. Our legal team is passionate about helping injured people fight for their legal rights so they can move forward with their lives.
If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident in Alabama as a result of a careless driver, contact our law office at (251) 432-2277 or fill out our free consultation form. From the police report to the settlement negotiations, we’ll guide you through every step of your accident claim!
