Immediately following your car accident, you may be overwhelmed and still trying to process the events that led to this devastating aftermath. All the while, you may be in great physical pain from the personal injuries you incurred. However, it is still necessary for you, one of your passengers, or even an eyewitness to call 911. This is so law enforcement may arrive at the scene and conduct an official police report. Continue reading to learn how a police report may come in handy for your claim and how an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you retain additional pieces of proof.
How is a police report useful for my car accident claim?
Essentially, the law enforcement officer who conducts a police report serves as a credible, neutral, third-party voice. This officer is reporting on your car accident exactly as they have observed it, nothing more and nothing less. Therefore, this may not only serve as a great way to assign blame in your ongoing car insurance claim, but it may also serve as a great piece of evidence in your future car accident claim. Below is important information that a police report may detail:
- The contact information and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in your car accident.
- The contact information of the potential eyewitness(es) present at the scene of your accident.
- The diagram of the scene of your accident.
- The details on any contributory hazards that may have played a role in your car accident (i.e., the weather conditions, the road conditions, etc).
What other pieces of proof are useful for your claim?
As the plaintiff of a car accident claim, you carry a burden of proof. This means that you must provide the court with a satisfying amount of evidence that reveals how your personal injuries and car damages are directly tied to the negligence of the other driver (i.e., the defendant). So while a copy of a police report may work to support your argument, it may not be able to stand alone. That is, the more pieces of proof you obtain and submit, the more likely you are to have a successful case. Without further ado, the following evidence may serve as useful in your case:
- Photos of your personal injuries, car damages, and contributory hazards at the scene of your accident.
- Security camera footage of your accident playing out.
- Oral and written testimonies from witnesses who saw your accident playing out.
- Medical records and bills from your initial ambulance trip and emergency room visit immediately following your accident.
- Medical records and bills from your ongoing medical treatments for your personal injuries.
- A repair quote for your car’s damages.
You must not take any chances regarding your car accident claim. So please retain the services of a skilled Tampa auto accident lawyer from Merricks Law Group, P.A. as soon as you can.
