If there’s one thing that you absolutely need to do after a car accident (after accessing the damage, and checking up for injuries on everyone involved), it’s filing a police report.

Reporting a car accident can seem like an additional thing to do, amid the chaos. But this official document plays a vital role in determining liability, supporting insurance claims, and serving as evidence in legal proceedings.

Every car accident case is different, there can be variables of damages – from none to minor to major injuries, and deaths. Filing a police report helps establish fault in case of a disputed claim or lawsuit. It prevents potential legal issues down the road.

Why is a Police Report Crucial?

Think of a police report as the foundation of your car accident case. It’s an unbiased account of the incident, recorded by a law enforcement officer.

According to OSHA’s interactive crash map dashboard, Oklahoma City had 1,700 traffic crashes in one recent year that resulted in death or injury. These accidents led to 99 fatalities and 2,096 injuries.

One hundred accidents involved drunk driving in Oklahoma City, and 60 accidents involved at least one driver under the influence of drugs. Officials tallied 203 speeding-related crashes in Oklahoma City and 180 accidents caused by distracted driving.

With no record of the incident, it can be difficult for either side to prove their story if a dispute arises later on. In simple words, understanding the importance of a police report can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

What’s Included in the Police Report?

Car accident police reports in Oklahoma include details such as the time, date, and location of the accident, statements from all involved parties and witnesses, and the officer’s observations.

In some cases, the report may also include a preliminary assessment of fault, which can be pivotal in determining liability.

The corresponding officer will gather the same information regardless of the situation:

• Location of the accident scene
• Date and time of the accident
• Details about the property damage to the car(s) involved
• A description of the injuries sustained by any parties or witnesses
• Statements of witness(es) and driver(s)
• Which driver was at fault
• Any citations issued

After getting this information and investigating the scene, the correspondent will also provide their own written assessment of the scene – which is an unbiased, third-party view of the accident.

The reason that these aspects are essential is that injuries often begin to show up later. The rush of adrenalin can mask injuries. With data from a police report on the type of injuries sustained, we can prove the severity. A police report helps you prove you have injuries and correlate with the accident.

What Happens if You Do Not File a Police Report?

You could face civil penalties and criminal charges in Oklahoma, if you don’t file a police report after a car accident. Requirements may vary state to state. In Oklahoma, you are legally required to report any accident that involves at least $300 of damage to a vehicle (however minor) or, the injury, or death of another person.

The reason for this legality is because there could be many issues post accidents that don’t arise immediately, and the claims process might be more difficult with insurance companies if there is no proof of what happened in the form of a police report.

Moreover, in court proceedings, you may be required to provide evidence that you reported the incident to law enforcement officers. This is where a copy of the police report might be crucially important.

How to Report a Car Accident

It’s very simple. After ensuring everyone’s safety, your next move should be calling the nearby police department, and waiting for them.

It’s ideal to wait at the sight of the accident, but it’s allowed under Oklahoma law to move your vehicle to the safe spot.

When the police arrive, they will gather information from all parties involved and compile it into a detailed report.

How Can You Get a Police Report?

Once the responding officer submits their report of the accident and completes the review process, you’ll be able to purchase a copy of it. You’ll need one in order to file a claim with the insurance company and seek civil damages with the help of an Oklahoma car accident lawyer.

Legal Significance of a Police Report

A police report is more than just paperwork; it’s a crucial tool in protecting your rights after a car accident. By promptly reporting a car accident to the police, you ensure that there is a clear and accurate record of what happened, which can be invaluable in resolving disputes, supporting insurance claims, and achieving justice in legal proceedings.

Beyond its role in insurance claims, a police report is also a critical piece of evidence in any legal proceedings that may arise from the accident. If the case goes to court, the report can provide an objective account of the incident, which can be persuasive in establishing the facts and supporting your version of events.

So, if you’re ever involved in a car accident, don’t overlook the importance of getting a police report. It could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

The post The Importance of a Police Report in a Car Accident Case appeared first on Auto Service World.