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Why Police Reports Matter For Your Louisiana Injury Claim

  • By: Gennusa Firm
Police officer taking a report from a distressed woman at an accident scene.

In this article, you can discover…

  • How a police report can affect the outcome of your personal injury claim.
  • Steps to take to obtain a copy of your police report.
  • How a personal injury lawyer can use a police report to build a stronger case.

What Details Are Typically Included In A Police Accident Report After A Car Crash?

The police report will contain information about the scene of the car crash, conditions of the roadway, weather conditions, who was present at the time of the accident, and driver information. Details about each car and insurance company information will also be present.

Witness information, including witness statements, will also be recorded. The investigating officer will take statements from all parties involved concerning what happened and write a report detailing what each person said. The officer will also state who they believe is at fault for the accident after conducting an investigation.

How Can A Police Report Affect The Outcome Of A Personal Injury Claim?

Police reports are a major piece of evidence in personal injury claims. They’re an official document that provides a neutral, third-party account of what happened and who caused the wreck. Police reports can be very helpful in proving who caused the incident. In some cases, police reports may be the only evidence you need. Without a police report, proving who was at fault will be very difficult.

What Steps Do I Take To Get A Copy Of My Police Report?

Before you leave the scene of the crash, the investigating officer should give you an item number. This is a reference number that will be used to help you get a copy of the police report from the particular police agency that investigated the crash. Police reports are normally available seven to 10 days after the wreck, and you can usually obtain a copy online, by mail, or in person.

Can My Personal Injury Lawsuit Be Weakened If No Police Report Was Filed?

Yes. Without a police report, your case becomes your word against the word of the other driver. You run the risk of the other driver changing their account of what happened, which could create complications and potentially invalidate your claim.

How Does A Personal Injury Lawyer Use A Police Report To Build A Stronger Case?

A police report can be very helpful to your attorney, as it proves a neutral, third-party account of what happened and who was at fault. Your personal injury attorney will typically use all the information contained in the police report to gather more information about the at-fault driver.

This will include whether any citations were issued to them, information about their insurance company, and whether witness statements can bolster your claim or help dispute liability.

Your lawyer will also use the report to determine which company towed the other driver’s vehicle, where it might be stored, and to get information about any injuries that were sustained, including whether an ambulance transported anyone to the hospital.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on police reports and Louisiana personal injury claims, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 298-1983 today.

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