How to Interact with the Police After a Car Accident

The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic, and it’s normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed by the events that transpired, especially if you were injured and your vehicle was completely destroyed, but controlling your emotions in this situation is crucial as what you do after an accident can influence your case’s outcome.

The first step you should consider in this scenario is calling the police. You can get the at-fault party contact information while you wait for officers to arrive at the scene. Try to be careful when approaching the other driver, especially if he’s intoxicated, as he could react aggressively.

Contacting the police becomes incredibly important when you’re looking to file a claim and receive adequate compensation, as this action will allow you to obtain an accident report, which contains important information about the entire event and will be used as evidence when the time to identify the at-fault party comes.

You Don’t Want to Look Guilty

It’s normal to feel nervous once police officers arrive and you need to explain exactly what happened, that’s why it’s important to avoid doing or saying anything that could make you look guilty. If you were not at fault for the crash, you have no reason to be afraid. Even if you were, you still have the option to carefully explain what happened and defend yourself.

All that’s needed from the drivers involved is an honest account of the collision that just took place. Keep in mind that lying or voluntarily omitting important information is not a wise move and could seriously hurt your case. The last thing you want is to be considered a liar by insurance companies or a judge.

Keep It Simple

It’s important that you don’t try to make the situation even more complicated than it already is. There’s no need to speculate about the reasons behind the other driver’s behavior, just stick to the facts and keep it simple.

Talking about what you saw and experienced before and during the crash is enough. Further investigation will surely be needed, but lawyers and officers are going to take care of that. If you’re unsure about certain details, it would be a smart move to avoid mentioning them, as a mistake in your statements can result in a waste of time and money.

Respect Is Important

Law enforcement officers are there to help all drivers involved and protect their rights. They’re focused on keeping the situation under control, and will consider statements as proof of liability. This may sound strange, but even if you’re not under arrest, everything you say can be used against you.

Your answers and the words you chose while explaining what happened will be included in the report, and the way you act can influence everyone’s perception of liability. That’s why it’s so important to be respectful of officers and the time they’re dedicating to a difficult situation. Yelling, swearing and making accusations in an aggressive manner could result in the dismissal of your claim.

Obtaining a Copy of the Report

Dealing with legal issues requires you to be active at all times. Your response should never be a passive one where you just wait for insurance adjusters to establish how much your damages are worth. Obtaining a copy of the report should be your first move after the dust has settled.

You also need to make sure that the details on it are correct. If you made a mistake or if the report itself is incorrect, you need to act quickly and ask for a revision before it’s too late.

There are also situations in which you might be unable to obtain a report, like when you suffer from a severe injury that leaves you unconscious or if you were involved in a minor collision. In that case, remember that you can still contact the police at a later date and file a report.

Speak with an Attorney

Protecting your rights after a car accident that leaves you severely injured and unable to work is going to be extremely complicated, and committing a mistake when speaking with the at-fault party or the insurance company can severely hurt your finances in the long run.

Having a Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys car accident lawyer by your side can help you fight in order to get the maximum compensation available and the best outcome possible for your case. Our lawyers possess the knowledge and experience necessary to deal with difficult cases involving car accident victims.

If you’re ready to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney, call 1-844-404-2400 or fill out the online contact form at the bottom of this page.