Why Is It Important To File A Police Report After A Car Accident?
After a Florida car accident, a person may choose not to file a police report because they believe their accident is minor or they did not suffer serious injuries. However, it is best to file a police report even if a car accident seems minor. It is best to file a police report even if you think your vehicle only suffered minor damage and you suffered no injuries. Remember, just because you cannot notice serious damage to your car does not mean your vehicle hasn’t been seriously damaged. Also, some injuries are not apparent immediately after a car accident. So, just because you cannot notice you are seriously injured immediately after a car accident does not mean you have not suffered serious injuries.
If you fail to file a police report after a car accident only to realize later that you suffered severe injuries and your car sustained serious damage, you might have difficulty seeking compensation from the at-fault party. A police report can help you recover compensation if you later discover that your car sustained serious damage and you suffered serious injuries. After being in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, ensure you file a police report to avoid weakening your claim for compensation.
Why Do You Need a Police Report When Filing a Car Accident Claim?
A police report is one of the most effective pieces of evidence you can present during a car accident claim. This is because it is an unbiased third-party report of your accident. A report written by a police officer can be more effective than your own account of the accident. When you give your account of your accident, the insurance company might argue that you are lying or leaving out information. However, the insurance company cannot disagree with what is written in a police report.
You need a police report when filing a car accident claim because a police report provides an objective view of the circumstances surrounding your accident. Some of the information contained in a police report include;
- The location where the accident happened
- The date and time of the accident
- Statements of motorists regarding what happened
- Statements of witnesses regarding what happened
- Citations
When you have a police report, you increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. If, for example, the other motorist or their insurance company tries to tell lies about the accident, for instance, that you are to blame for your accident, a police report can help you avoid being denied the compensation you deserve.
How to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Florida
You now know the importance of filing a police report after a Florida car accident. But do you know how to file this report? To file a police report after a Florida car accident, call the police immediately after your accident. Once the police arrive at the scene, discuss the details of your accident with them, ensuring you answer any questions you are asked. The police will also interview the other driver and witnesses.
Legal Help Is Available
If involved in a car accident in Florida, do not hesitate to contact our insurance at Lyons & Snyder.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
