Why You Should File a Police Report After Your Auto Accident
You should file a police report for any type of auto accident, regardless of whether it’s required by law. Doing so can help strengthen your accident claim since a police report is viewed as an unbiased account of a collision. However, each state will have laws regarding when you must legally report an auto accident to law enforcement. If you’re not sure whether you’re required to file a police report after a car crash in your state, read on to learn more.
Is it Required By Law to File a Police Report After a Car Crash?
Each state will have its criteria regarding whether or not you need to file a police report.
New York
In New York, you are only required to file a police report after an auto accident that results in:
- An injury
- A death
- Property damage exceeds $1000
Florida
In Florida, you are only required to file a police report after an auto accident that results in:
- An injury
- A death
- Property damage of $500 or more
How Do I File An Auto Insurance Claim Without a Police Report?
You can still file an auto insurance claim if you don’t have a copy of your police report. However, including a copy of your police report when filing a claim can strengthen your chances of its success. A police report is an unbiased account of the accident and can help prove the other driver was negligent.
Information found in a police report that could be helpful for your insurance claim:
- The responding police officer’s accident investigation findings regarding which party they believed was negligent
- The crash diagram
- Witness statements
- Statements made by drivers and passengers
- Description of any injuries sustained and vehicle damage
- Any citations issued or arrests made
How Filing a Police Report Can Help Your Insurance Claim
When you file a police report, it can help your accident claim in several ways. Law enforcement will investigate the accident to determine which party was liable and how the accident occurred. They will also note what may have contributed to the car crash, such as road and weather conditions, a pedestrian, bicyclist, missing signage, etc. This will all be documented in the official police report.
Other ways a police report can help your case include:
Ties Injuries and Vehicle Damage to the Accident
When you speak with law enforcement, they will record your injuries and any vehicle damage in the official police report. This can help prove that you sustained injuries and vehicle damage at the time of the collision. Without a police report, a claims adjuster may claim that you sustained injuries and vehicle damage at some point after the car crash.
Can Prove the Other Driver Was Negligent
If the other motorist was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the reporting officer will record this information in the police report. They will also include their accident investigation findings, which can include the cause of the accident, such as distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, etc.
When Should I Report My Auto Accident to the Insurance Company?
Most insurers will require policyholders to report an auto accident within 48-72 hours following a collision. This information can be found in your policy. Failure to report an auto accident to your insurance provider can result in loss of coverage or higher rates.
Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer during this time can also strengthen your case. They can gather evidence, including a copy of the police report, and use it during settlement negotiations to help prove the other driver was negligent and your demand for damages.
Contact Us Today
At Friedland & Associates, we recognize that a car accident can leave a lasting impact on every aspect of your life. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, the toll can be overwhelming. Our car accident attorneys will go above and beyond to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild and move forward. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced member of our legal team.
