The Importance of Filing a Police Report Following a Car Accident

Following an automobile accident in New York, it’s imperative that medical attention be immediately sought to assess and treat any injuries sustained in the crash. However, with the exception of medical treatment, the most important thing one can do after an accident is file an accident report with the police. Below is an overview of the importance of filing a police report following an automobile accident in New York.

What Information do Police Reports Contain?

Information typically contained within police reports includes:

• The location of the automobile accident
• The insurance information of the parties involved in the accident
• A description of what caused the accident
• The time and date of the accident
• A description of the damage sustained by the vehicles involved in the accident
• A description of any injuries sustained by the parties involved in the accident
• Witness names and contact details

What Makes Police Reports Useful?

Police reports are useful for substantiating both insurance and legal claims. However, in order to ensure that the report is as accurate as possible, the authorities should be contacted immediately following the receipt of medical care. The creation of a timely police report ensures that the insurance companies and legal representatives involved in the case have the information required to handle both legal and insurance claims in an effective manner. In fact, an accident report is often the only accurate document that courts and insurance companies have to rely on when determining issues such as fault, liability, and financial responsibility.

Additional Steps to Take Following an Automobile Accident

Once medical care has been received and a police report has been filed, the following additional steps should be taken:

• Obtain medical records – Following medical treatment, copies of all related records should be obtained by the injured party. Medical records are useful in demonstrating the extent of one’s injuries to both insurance companies and courts.
• Save receipts and records – Receipts and records of all accident-related expenses should be saved, as these are useful for demonstrating financial loss.
• Take or obtain pictures – If possible, one should take or obtain pictures of the scene of the crash following an accident. In addition, photographs should be taken of all visible injuries sustained in the accident. Photographic evidence is an excellent method of documenting the severity of injuries and possible causes of the accident.

New York Legal Representation

If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident in New York, please consider contacting an experienced New York personal injury attorney to discuss your situation. An experienced New York personal injury attorney will keep you apprised of your rights while fighting to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries. Please contact the New York personal injury attorneys of O’Connell and Aronowitz for a consultation.