Many people wonder if they should file a police report after an accident, and the answer is always yes.
It is essential to file a police report after any accident. A police report can provide an objective account of how the accident occurred and which party was negligent in causing the crash. This is not the only reason to file a report. In some cases, Florida law also requires that a police report is filed after a crash, and insurance companies often require an official report, as well. All of these are reasons to obtain a police report are discussed in depth below. If you have any trouble obtaining a police report after an accident, a Florida personal injury lawyer can help.
It is the Law to Report an Accident in Florida
Individuals involved in a car accident are not always required to file a police report afterward. Under Florida law, however, there are certain instances in which individuals must report a car accident.
In Florida, any time a car accident results in injury or death, it must be reported to police. Additionally, any time an accident results in property damage that is greater than $500, it also must be reported to the police, even if the crash did not result in injuries or death.
There are certain instances in which property damage is difficult to assess at the scene. When this is the case, it is always better to err on the side of caution and file a police report. There are other reasons a police report is beneficial, as well.
A Police Report is an Impartial Account
After a Boca Raton car accident, each side often tries to blame the other. Even when one driver was clearly negligent and caused the crash, he or she will still try to shift blame to the accident victim.
A police report makes it easier for accident victims to refute these claims and prove that another driver was liable for the crash. Police reports include a lot of important information including the location, date, and time of the crash, witness statements, and the damages and injuries sustained by vehicles and individuals involved. All of this information can help prove that another driver was to blame, so you can claim the compensation you need for your injuries.
The Insurance Company May Require it
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means accident victims must typically seek compensation through their own insurance company before pursuing further damages. Although police reports are generally considered to be inadmissible in court because they are labeled as hearsay, insurance companies still sometimes require them before they will provide a settlement. Additionally, if your insurance policy does not provide enough compensation and you need to file a claim against the other driver, a police report can also help prove your case to their insurance company.
Hurt in a Crash? Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured in a car accident, our Boca Raton personal injury lawyers can help. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, we can help you obtain your police report and file a claim with your own insurance company, as well as the other driver’s, if necessary. Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free case review and to learn more about how we can help.
