Yes, you should. If you’ve been in a car accident, obtaining a police report is your primary method for documenting the accident. If you get a police report after an accident, you create a record of the accident in a manner that may be acceptable as evidence in a court of law if introduced by the officer at trial. In any case, your personal injury lawyer will utilize the information on the report to build your case and discover additional details about your claim.
If you were JUST NOW in an accident and need to speak with a lawyer, call us at 704.749.7747. You will be connected to a lawyer immediately. If you were in an accident in North Carolina and you have not received a copy of your report yet, we can help. If you would like assistance obtaining a copy of your report, you can request our help with that HERE.
The remainder of this article will help you understand the numerous reasons why you should get a police report if you’re in an accident.
What Is On The Police Report?
The officer will take an official record of the accident. This will include the location, contact info for all parties, names and contact info for witnesses, and details about the accident itself. The officer also takes notes about the condition of the roadway and drivers and makes estimates regarding damage to vehicles.
While the officer has not observed the accident itself, they can certainly assess each driver’s condition, and issue citations based on the facts surrounding the accident. It is not uncommon for a police report to note that a driver was issued a citation for reckless driving or making a dangerous maneuver.
You can also look at the guide to NC police report codes (PDF) if you’re interested in understanding the many variables that can be disclosed on the report.
How Does Your Personal Injury Lawyer Use The Police Report?
While the police report may not ultimately be admissible as evidence at trial, your personal injury lawyer will examine the report when trying to decide whether they believe they can win your case. Both sides will have a copy of the police report of course. Long before a lawsuit is filed, your lawyer will attempt to negotiate with the insurance adjuster for the other driver—outside of any independent witness testimony, the officer’s report serves as a governing document for those discussions. Generally, your lawyer is trying to prove negligence in order to recover an award for you.
Speak With A Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you are in an accident and need guidance, we are here to help. Consultations are free and can be done by telephone. We can help assess liability for your car accident, and help you understand your options. You can call us at 704.749.7747 or click HERE to quickly request a consultation. There’s no obligation. We know you have choices. We hope you choose Layton Law.