If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you probably know the drill. There are a few things everyone needs to do after a car accident like getting the police report since the police report is so important for a car accident case. This is the same whether the accident is minor or severe. These things are:
Call the Police
No matter how minor the crash, you need to call 911. They’ll send an officer to the scene to make sure everyone is okay. They’ll arrange for an ambulance in case anyone is injured. They’ll check to see if either of the drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And, they’ll complete a police report. This report will be crucial to your car accident lawsuit in Albany, Georgia.
Go to the Emergency Room
No matter if you think you’re hurt or not, you need to get checked out at the hospital. In fact, even if you’re a doctor, this same rule applies. There’s no way for anyone to know if they’ve suffered internal injuries. If left untreated, these injuries can prove to be very dangerous, even fatal. Going to the hospital also ensures that your Albany car accident lawyer will be able to submit your medical records as proof that you were injured.
Call a Car Accident Attorney
There is no law that says you must retain an experienced car accident lawyer in Albany. However, having a skilled lawyer by your side will make your life easier. It will also increase your chances of winning your case.
If you do these three (3) things, the odds of getting compensation for your injuries are much better.
What Information is Contained in the Police Report?
One of the reasons we always advise people to call the police after their Georgia car crash is so that you have a police report. This report is a blueprint of exactly what happened at the accident scene. While the police can’t personally say what happened, they provide all the relevant information. Your Albany car accident lawyer will use this report to help prove that the other driver was at fault.
Some of the information contained in the police report includes:
- The names and contact information for the drivers involved in the crash
- License, registration and insurance information for the drivers
- Information on whether the drivers were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash
- Statements made by both of the drivers
- Pictures of the cars and the accident scene
- Witness statements and contact information for the witnesses
- A description of the road conditions
- Any tickets or citations issued to the drivers
There are two reasons why this report is important. Yes, it provides your Albany injury lawyer with vital information. However, it also contains information that your attorney will never be able to get on their own.
Your attorney will not be able to get information on witnesses once the accident scene is clear. They’ll also have no way to prove that the other driver was drunk or high. It’ll be your word against the defendant’s. The odds are not always in your favor.
Why Would Someone Ask You Not to Call the Police?
One reason why some clients don’t have a police report is that they didn’t call the police. This may happen because the other driver asks you to work it out directly with them. They ask you if it’s okay to leave the police out of it. There’s never a good reason to agree to this.
Some reasons why someone would ask you not to call the police include:
- They don’t have a valid license or registration
- They’re high or drunk
- They have active warrants
- They’re in the middle of the commission of a crime
- They don’t have insurance
- They know they’re at fault
- They intend to give you false contact and insurance information
Any of these things can cause you to lose your car accident lawsuit in Albany. In fact, it may be impossible to even track down the other driver.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Albany, Georgia Today
If you’re involved in any sort of motor vehicle accident, your attorney’s going to need the police report. This is why it’s crucial that you always call the police after a crash. To make sure your case is handled properly, call our office right away and schedule your free initial consultation.
Your Albany car accident lawyer at Calvin Smith Law will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
