No matter how minor your auto accident seems, it’s important to file an accident report with the police. While you may feel that your injuries are insignificant, it’s possible that their severity is hidden by the effects of adrenaline or because it may take a longer period of time for symptoms to develop. If you fail to contact the police, you may later discover that you need a police report if you file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Why a Police Report Matters
A police report documents that you were involved in a car accident. In some cases, even this basic fact can be in dispute. In addition, the report can provide helpful evidence you might need to prove your case against the negligent driver. Some of this information includes:
Contact information.
The police report will contain the contact information for the negligent driver, his insurance company, and witnesses to your crash. You will need this information to file your claim and to interview witnesses who may be able to confirm how the crash occurred.
Statements.
The police officer will take a statement from both you and the other driver and include this in his report. The negligent driver may have made damaging statements that help prove his negligence. In addition, the officer may also include witness statements that are helpful to your case.
Weather conditions.
The report could include information regarding weather conditions and any road issues at the time of your wreck.
