You’ve been involved in a car accident in New Bedford, MA, but the accident is minor and you do not see the need to file a car accident report.
However, when you decide to seek compensation for property damage and injuries you encounter challenges such as the insurance company denying your claim. This is why it’s a good idea to file a police report whenever you are involved in a car accident. Your New Bedford car accident lawyer will ask for a police report when you decide to file a car accident claim. the report will also be useful in other circumstances.
It’s not uncommon for car accident victims to assume their injuries are minor only to realize their injuries are getting much worse. At the scene of the accident, your adrenaline levels are usually very high and that’s why some of these injuries take a while to show up. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, for example, may show up a day or two later. You must always seek medical attention after a car accident regardless of how minor you think your injuries are.
What’s The Importance of a Police Report?
A police report provides accurate documentation of the accident and it can be submitted as evidence when you file your car accident claim. It can be an effective piece of evidence because unlike you reporting your version of events, a police report is not biased.
The insurance company will ask for a police report and the absence of one could result in them denying your car accident claim. Additionally, when you decide to pursue legal action, a police report will go a long way in supporting your claim.
What Is Included in a Police Report?
This report is unbiased and the police officer is not invested in who is right or wrong. when writing the report below are some of the factors that a police officer considers:
- Where the car accident happened
- The time and date of the car accident
- The damage the cars sustained and any other property damage that might have happened as a result of the accident
- The injuries sustained by pedestrians passengers or drivers as a result of the accident statements from witnesses
- Statement from the drivers involved in the accident
- Environmental information such as the weather at the time of the accident
- Any other crucial information about the accident
From the above information is clear that a police report can support your car accident claim and can improve your chances of securing compensation. It’s not uncommon for the other driver to make false claims or to give an inaccurate version of events. A police report can be used to refute the claim and it can help you avoid being a victim of insurance fraud.
If your case goes to trial an official document that shows exactly what happened is more favorable in front of a judge or a jury and it’s considered to be more accurate than your version of events.
How Do You File a Police Report?
Now that we have established the importance of a police report you might be wondering how you should go about filing one. Your first step should be immediately calling the police to the scene of the accident. Discuss the details of the accident with the police officer and answer any questions that they may have. Keep in mind that the police officer will also interview the other driver and any witnesses at the scene request for a copy of the police report. The report is usually available within an hour or at least a day. You should send this report to your insurance provider and keep a copy for yourself.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident in New Bedford?
You should get a new Bedford car accident lawyer when:
- You are not sure of your legal rights
- You have sustained serious injuries
- The insurance company has denied your claim or you believe they are acting in bad faith
- You cannot access adequate medical care
It never hurts to call a lawyer and ask questions. Most people avoid Consulting a lawyer because they are afraid of the implicated costs. The good news is initial consultations are free and if you decide to them, they will charge you a contingency fee. This means that your lawyer will only get paid when you get compensation for your claim. Below are some of the reasons you should consider hiring a car accident lawyer in New Bedford:
Your injuries were severe or the car accident resulted in wrongful death. As mentioned earlier some injuries are not always apparent at the scene of the accident a concussion can seem insignificant but can quickly become more serious and manifest itself as a traumatic brain injury. There is a much longer list of minor injuries that can become life-altering after a car accident.
Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state and over the years we have handled car accident victims who have suffered severe injuries that prevent them from going back to work. Their biggest concern was how the no-fault insurance system would help them pay their bills. A car accident lawyer in such a situation can inform you of your legal rights.
When your insurance company asks you to sign a release, you should contact your lawyer immediately. The same applies when the insurance company for the at-fault driver asks you to do the same.
A lawyer can help you understand what you need to show or what you need to do to recover benefits if you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage and you have been involved in a car accident.
A car accident lawyer can also explain to you how your uninsured motorist coverage can help you if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident.
If you believe the insurance company is offering you a very low settlement amount you should involve a lawyer. Industry data shows that car accident victims who involve a lawyer in settlement negotiations typically get settlement amounts that are four times higher than those who do not.
Get Your Case Evaluated by a Qualified New Bedford Car Accident Lawyer
If you are filing a car accident claim in New Bedford you must hire an experienced lawyer. At Kevin P Landry Law Offices, we are happy to help. Contact us today at 508-999-0800 to schedule your free initial consultation.
