Proving Fault: Car Accidents and Police Reports
Car accidents cause serious injuries and result in property damage. If you were involved in a car accident that was reported to local authorities, the police officer will investigate and write a report detailing the incident. If you are filing a personal injury lawsuit, the officer’s report can be used to prove that the other driver is at fault.
At The Tawwater Law Firm in Oklahoma City, OK, our attorneys can obtain a copy of the police report and determine if you have a viable personal injury claim. Read on to learn more about how a car accident police report can help us prove fault.
What Information Does a Police Report Contain?
Police reports provide critical information about the accident. The report contains information about the other driver, including his or her name, address, and insurance information.
Beyond that, the report may also contain information such as:
- Where and when the accident took place
- What the weather conditions were at the time of the accident
- Details about the road conditions
- Eyewitness information, including names and addresses
- The names and addresses of all injured parties, as well as details about their injuries and whether or not they were taken to the hospital
- Details about the accident, including a visual diagram of the scene, statements from involved parties, and a determination of which party may have been at fault for the crash
While some police reports are more detailed than others, it is in your best interest to obtain a report after the accident. Your car accident lawyer can use the report to start an investigation and establish fault.
Can a Police Report Contain Errors?
Yes, police reports can and often do contain errors. That is why it is a good idea to obtain a copy of the report and review it for accuracy as quickly as possible after the accident.
In certain circumstances, it is possible to amend a police report. The process of amending a factual error such as the date or location of the accident is relatively simple.
Amending a disputed fact, however, such as whether you were at fault, is more challenging.
How Can a Police Report Help in a Personal Injury Case?
A police report can be used to help establish who is at fault in an auto accident injury case. Your attorney can draw facts and conclusions from the report to gain an advantage during settlement discussions with an insurance carrier or opposing counsel.
The report may also include the responding officer’s observations as to which driver caused the accident. If you were injured in an accident and the other driver was at fault, you may be able to receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
If you were involved in an auto accident and have questions about the police report, speak to a car accident attorney at The Tawwater Law Firm. We handle car accident cases and may be able to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call (405) 607-1400 to schedule a time for a case evaluation.
