A police report could help you win your accident case in court. However, since most personal injury claims settle before going to trial, the police report could also help your case during insurance negotiations.
If you were hurt in an accident, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can handle your case, including obtaining the police report and presenting it as evidence during negotiations or in court, if necessary.
What Information Is Included in a Police Car Accident Report?
An accident report typically includes facts about the crash and is a crucial piece of evidence that can help with your lawsuit. You should contact law enforcement immediately after a crash so a police officer can come to the accident scene to investigate and collect evidence.
A Fort Lauderdale accident police report often includes the following information:
- The location of the car accident
- The time and date of the car accident
- Any injuries drivers or passengers sustained
- Drivers’ identities and contact information
- Descriptions of vehicles involved and any damage they sustained
- Witness statements and contact information
- Descriptions of weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
- Potential causes of the accident, such as distracted driving or alcohol
- Whether the police issued any citations to involved drivers for breaking traffic laws (which can be useful in proving fault)
Do You Need a Police Report for an Insurance Claim in an Accident Case?
A police report is necessary for most accident cases in Florida. If an accident causes injury, death, or more than $500 in vehicle damage, Florida Statutes § 316.066 requires a police report. If the police don’t come to the accident scene, you must file a report yourself.
If you file an insurance claim after an accident, the insurance adjuster may request a copy of the police report. Police reports help insurance companies investigate the accident and determine who is liable for damages.
Police reports provide crucial information to establish the facts of the accident and can help insurance companies and courts assess fault and liability. While having a police report is not a guarantee that you will win your claim, it may significantly help your case.
What Other Evidence Is Helpful in a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Case?
Besides a police report, other types of evidence can impact your case, including:
- Medical records: Documentation of your injuries and any treatments you are receiving can connect your accident to your injuries and prove the value of your damages.
- Expert opinions: Accident reconstruction professionals can recreate the accident to help insurers or jury members understand the causes and contributing factors.
- Photographs: Photographs help document the scene before evidence disappears.
- Traffic camera footage: Video recordings can document events before, during, and after the accident.
- Black box data: If you were involved in a truck accident, black box data may record speed, tire pressure, braking, and other details.
- Witness statements: Obtaining witness statements immediately after an accident is crucial before their memories of the accident fade. Your personal injury lawyer can assist with this process.
What to Do After a Fort Lauderdale Motor Vehicle Accident
Always remain at the scene of an accident until law enforcement arrives. Leaving is illegal (per Florida Statutes § 316.061) and can negatively impact your future claim or lawsuit. If possible, we also recommend that you:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible so your doctor can diagnose, treat, and document your injuries. Delaying medical treatment could negatively impact your case.
- Take photos of the accident scene and collect contact information from witnesses so your Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can obtain their statements later.
- Inform your insurance provider about the accident, but do not admit or assume fault.
- Consult a car accident attorney to learn about your legal options and protect your rights.
What Can a Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Lawyer Do to Help You?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer after an accident, but doing so evens the playing field, as the other party and their insurance company will likely have a legal team working against your best interests. An experienced car accident attorney can protect your rights and gather evidence to support your case, including the police report.
If you obtain legal representation from our personal injury law firm, we will:
- Investigate the accident to identify the at-fault party
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial, if necessary, and represent yourself in court
- Provide prompt and responsive communication
- Devote time to explaining your legal options
- Help you meet the statute of limitations deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit, which is generally two years, per Florida Statutes § 95.11
With over 75 years of combined experience, we have won over $200 million in personal injury settlements and judgments after representing more than 5,000 clients.
Learn More About How a Police Report Can Impact Your Case in Fort Lauderdale Today
A police report can help with an accident lawsuit by helping the insurance company and your car accident attorney establish the facts of the case in support of your claim. A personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can handle your car accident claim in Fort Lauderdale. To learn more or get a free consultation, please call (954) 633-8270 today.
