Police Accident Report Can Help Your Claim

Car accidents happen all around us every day in Las Vegas and throughout the state of Nevada.

The scene of the accident can be confusing and complicated.

What to do next can be daunting in the middle of the chaos.

There is always the chance for injuries after a crash and that’s why it’s smart to contact a Las Vegas car accident lawyer.

In minor accidents, drivers will often exchange information and go on with their day.

A police report can be incredibly useful in these situations.

If the accident is major, a police report will be necessary.

There are many reasons to have a police report.

Captures the Facts: Any time law enforcement responds to a car accident in Nevada, it makes official documentation of the crash. This will include details of the scene of the accident. The road layouts, markings, weather conditions, and other important factors will be noted. Vehicle descriptions of the parties involved will be listed in the documentation. This will include the year, make, and color of the cars involved. Their positioning in the accident will help to put in context what occurred and who may have been at fault. Witness statements will be put in the report. Observations from third-party individuals can clarify or confirm the sequence of the events. The drivers’ behavior may be noted. Was there speeding or any other actions that occurred that caused the crash?

Supports Insurance Claims: A police report will provide a detailed and independent record of the accident. Having this objective documentation is vital when an insurance company makes decisions on the claim. The report can verify the details of how and why the accident occurred. It will provide the time, weather, positions of the vehicles, and other important details. Insurance companies will use the report to establish fault and liability. The police report is generally a trusted resource. This can help to expedite the claim. The report can streamline the claims process and help to avoid delays. If the claim goes to the courts, it will have legal credibility. It is a neutral third-party report and helps insurance adjusters make an accurate decision.

Provides Legal Protection: A police report can legally protect you in many ways. Since it is a neutral third-party report, it carries a lot of weight with insurance companies. Your version of the accident gains credibility if it is backed up by a police report. The detailed report will help show who is liable for the crash and why. Who ran the red light? Was there speeding that caused the crash? If you are sued in the courts, a police report can be an excellent defense. It can help to stop any surprise allegations with the detailed facts of the event. In cases of DUI and reckless driving a police report provides further evidence of the facts. After a crash memories can fade. Witnesses can also disappear. Having statements from the crash, at the time it happened, is critical to the preservation of the facts.

Helps Your Case in Court: A police report is written by an impartial police officer. This can be a game-changer if the case goes to court. Judges and juries tend look at the report as a credible assessment of the car accident. It is often perceived as trustworthy and strengthens a case in court. Clear timelines and details of the scene are key factors in a court case. Witnesses can be incredibly valuable to car accident claims. If there were tickets issued at the accident this will be included in the report. A police report also qualifies as a ‘business record’ in evidence rules. Key factual statements and the officers observations are admissible in a court of law.

If someone says they were injured days later, this report can be an impeachment tool that can oppose a changed story.

Police Report Can Be Very Helpful

A police report can make a real difference when negotiating a settlement.

A car accident can be difficult to figure out at the time.

A police report can often determine who was liable.

Here’s how it can help.

Show Who Was at Fault: It is a clear statement that can determine who was at fault right away. Once this is in the hands of the insurer or opposition lawyer, it is a strong stance right from the beginning. This creates a solid position when negotiating a settlement.

Objectivity: The police report can paint the picture of precisely what occurred. Time, date, weather, and damage to the vehicles are critical factors in the settlement outcome. Having a police officer lay out the details in a credible manner makes your case valid.

Faster Evaluation: The insurance company and opposing council will have a more difficult time delaying the settlement. A sworn statement and evaluation letter make things move faster.

Weakens Counterarguments: The report helps undercut arguments going against your case. They may say, “I was not speeding.” The police report, however, says, “You were going 20 mph over the speed limit at the time of the crash.”

Strengthens Court Position: It is a more powerful position when opposing counsel is handed a police report in pre-lit. They are much more likely to settle before going to trial. Going into court and fighting against statements in a police report can be difficult.

Witness Statements: Having witness testimony in a police report is hard to dispute. Especially if there are multiple witnesses. This will give you leverage when trying to settle. Low-ball offers will be less likely in these situations.

Benefits of Using a Police Report in Your Demand Letter

There are many reasons why using a police report in a demand letter can be an effective strategy.

Especially if you are aiming to avoid going to trial and settle the case through negotiations.

A police report in a demand letter can be very impactful in a car accident case.

Objectivity and Credibility: A neutral third-party document can help your narrative and strengthen your case. Because it is an official report created by law enforcement it has to be seriously considered. Its credibility cannot easily be dismissed. This can further the chance of receiving a faster settlement.

Insurance and Liability Support: A police report is often requested by insurance companies after a car accident. You will be ready to hand submit it to them moving the case forward faster. The factual clarity of the police report will back up your claims with accuracy.

Shows Preparedness: Having a police report in the demand letter shows you are confident and prepared. This will be useful to your case as it moves forward. A demand letter can be structured around the police report. This shows everyone that you mean business.

What To Do After a Car Accident

There are some important things that you can do after a car accident.

These steps will ensure your safety and preserve vital evidence of the crash.

This will be helpful when filing a claim in the future.

Safety First: Turn on your hazards and make other drivers aware of the situation. If possible and safe to do, move the vehicle out of traffic. Getting the car to the side of the road can reduce the chance of being hit again.

Check for Injuries: Check your self and then your passengers if others are in the vehicle with you. Then check those in the other vehicles in the accident. Injuries may be obvious in some accidents. In others, they may not seem serious at first. Call 911 if there is even the possibility that anyone is injured. Get medical treatment immediately to the scene.

Call Police and Get a Report: This report is critical for many reasons. Ask the officer for a copy of the report. This is a valuable and impartial official account of what occurred.

Exchange Information: This will include the details of all involved in the crash. Name, phone number, email, address, insurance, and other contact information are important. Gather information on the year, make, color, model of vehicle, and registration. Take pictures of insurance cards, license plates, and driver’s license if possible. This way you can go back later and make sure it is correct.

Witness Information: Witness statements can go a long way in car accident cases. Having a person or multiple people that can back up your claim is always good. This can help in negotiations and in court if the case goes to trial. You may need to get a hold of them later, so make sure you get the correct information.

Documentation: It will be important to get pictures and video of the scene of the accident. This will show the position of the vehicles, road conditions, and damage to the vehicles. If there are skid marks, take pictures of them. This evidence can be useful to your claim.

Don’t Sign or Agree: Make sure to avoid verbal or signed agreements at the scene of the car accident. You are only legally required to give information to your insurance and the police. Don’t let anyone pressure you into this.

Local Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Having Richard Harris on your side is a great start.

We will make sure that your rights are protected after a car crash.

Our highly respected car accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

While we focus on the legal issues of your case, you can focus on recovering.

Here are some of the ways that a personal injury lawyer can help.

Gather Evidence and Investigate: We will secure any police reports from the accident. It will be vital to your case to gather all the evidence of the accident. This will include photos, videos, and witness statements. An accident reconstructionist are sometimes needed along with medical experts. Having evidence that can prove liability is the cornerstone to winning a claim.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies will likely try and make low-ball offers. Our attorneys will make sure you don’t get taken advantage of. We will handle all communications with the insurance companies. This will include phone calls, emails, etc. We know how to deal with the insurance companies.

Assessment of Damages: There are many different costs that come with a car accident. They can be physical and mental. Financial costs can be staggering. Some of the most common damages we will seek include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our skilled attorneys know how to quantify these costs and get you the maximum compensation.

Management of the Claim: Car accident claims will have deadlines to meet. We will make sure that these are met and filings made on time. There is a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. We will navigate you through all Nevada procedural laws and make sure your claim is valid.

Negotiations and Trial: Car accidents are often settled through negotiations. Richard Harris Law Firm has expert negotiators on staff. Some claims can’t be settled through negotiations. Our trial attorneys will fight for you in court if necessary.

No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis. This means that there are no upfront fees. We will only get paid if you win your case. If we take your case, we plan on winning.

https://law.usnews.com/law-firms/advice/articles/car-accident-demand-letter-overview-and-template