If you were recently injured in a car accident, you might be considering filing a claim for financial compensation. In order to do so successfully, you need strong evidence that proves that you were injured and that your injuries were caused by the accident. In most injury claims, police accident reports act as vital pieces of evidence. If you were injured in a crash a do not have a police accident report, there is no need to panic. You will still be able to file a claim without one.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, contact a nationwide car accident lawyer from Local Accident Reports as soon as possible. One of our experienced attorneys can help you file a claim whether or not you have a police accident report. Call us today to schedule your free case review.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Not Having a Police Accident Report?
In the wake of a traffic accident, a police accident report plays a critical role in documenting the event. It can also be an essential piece of evidence in legal proceedings and insurance claims. There are, however, cases where a police accident report might not be available. This can occur for multiple reasons including officers not being called to the scene, the crash being minor, or occurring in an area where accident reports are not routinely filed.
Some of the drawbacks to not having a police accident report are:
- Impact on Your Insurance Claim: The lack of a police accident report can complicate insurance matters. Insurance carriers commonly use police reports to establish fault and liability. Without one, you will need to furnish additional evidence that supports your claim. This additional evidence can include pictures or videos of the scene, eyewitness testimonies, and medical records associated with your injuries caused by the accident.
- Difficulties Proving Fault and Liability: Proving liability in a traffic accident without a police accident report can be difficult. You will likely have to rely heavily on eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, if there is any, and accident reconstruction experts. These and other forms of evidence can help prove who was at fault for the crash.
- Impact on Legal Proceedings: If the accident leads to a lawsuit, not having a police accident report means your attorney will have to collect evidence independently to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Self-Reporting: In some states, if the police do not file an accident report then you are required to do so. Self-reporting can be important, particularly if the collision resulted in serious injuries and/or property damage since it serves the same function as a report filed by a responding officer.
- It Complicates Communication with the Insurer: It is important to notify your insurer of your accident as soon as you can, even if you do not have a police accident report. Be prepared to give a robust and detailed account of the crash, supply them with as much supporting evidence as possible, and answer a lot of questions.
Considering the obstacles posed by the absence of a report, consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer will be advantageous. An attorney can advise you on the process of collecting crucial evidence and represent you in dealings and negotiations with the insurance company or represent you in court should it come to that.
Although, in the context of a car accident, a police accident report is a helpful document that can certainly speed up the claims process, its absence will not prevent you from filing an injury claim or even taking legal action. It does, however, heighten the need for gathering additional types of evidence and seeking qualified legal representation to ensure your interests and rights are adequately protected.
Does Insurance Cover an Accident Without a Police Report?
After being hurt in a car accident, you can still recover damages from your insurance carrier without a police accident report. Every insurance policy is different, so you will have to read your auto policy to find out exactly what it covers. If you plan on filing an injury claim, contact a nationwide car accident lawyer from Local Accident Reports today to schedule your free consultation. We can help you understand your auto insurance policy and advise you on the best way to go about filing a claim for your property damage and medical bills.
How Can I Find Out if There is a Police Report Associated With My Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, no matter how minor, you should notify local law enforcement right away. Even if no one was injured, having an officer investigate the scene and file a report can be a boon to any future claim for compensation.
If you purchased a copy of your police accident report but never received it, or you have mislaid your copy, or you are uncertain whether or not a police report was ever filed at all, contact an attorney from Local Accident Reports. We can assist you in finding and obtaining a copy if one exists.
Why Does It Help to Have a Police Report?
Some issues you are likely to encounter if you do not have a police accident report are:
- The insurance company might deny your accident happened: If you do not have an official report written by a police officer, your insurance company might call into question that your vehicle damage and injuries were really caused by an accident.
- The insurance company can claim that you have insufficient evidence to collect a payout: Even if the insurance company does not deny that your accident happened, they might still contend that the evidence you provided is inadequate.
Talk to a Nationwide Car Accident Lawyer
Any car accident can leave you scared and uncertain of what you should do next. To ensure you understand your rights and receive a fair financial recovery, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Local Accident Reports, we know what our clients have been through. That is why we offer a free, no-strings-attached consultation to review your case and examine all of your legal options. Call us at (888) 657-1460 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced nationwide car accident lawyers.
