How Does the Police Report Affect a Car Accident Case?
A primary role the police report plays in an auto accident case is capturing its details clearly and objectively. It can contain details about the sequence of events and contact details for all involved parties, including any witnesses who came forward. It can also protect you from any misinterpretations that could be made later.
When car accident lawyer in Florida represents you, the police report is typically one of the first pieces of evidence they will collect on your behalf. It will state the position and condition of the involved cars and of the accident scene. When a Miami car accident lawyer represents you, they will request the official police report and any attachments. This evidence can help prove the at-fault driver’s negligence and your right to financial recovery.
Damages You Could Recover From an Auto Accident Insurance Claim or Lawsuit
Auto accident claims typically result in two types of recoverable damages. Economic damages are tangible and can be supported with bills, receipts, and estimates. These typically include:
- Accident-related medical bills
- Accident-related income loss
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage or destruction
- Diminished property value
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering in a personal injury settlement can be more difficult to document on your own. Auto accident lawyers will compile tangible proof of the following intangible damages.
- Disability and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your family lost a loved one in the collision, your fort luderdale car accident lawyer will request fort lauderdale wrongful death lawyer damages, including funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of consortium and companionship.
How an Auto Accident Police Report Supports the Value of Your Damages
While a police report captures the details of the accident that help your fort myers car accident lawyer prove fault, it can also provide insight into the value of your compensation request. This includes:
- The type and size of the vehicle that struck you
- Statements from accident witnesses
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Whether a fatality occurred
The police report will also describe the condition of both involved vehicles. Additionally, it will note points of impact and whether the airbags were deployed.
Your Car Accident Lawyer Will Prove the At-Fault Driver’s Negligence
Car accident attorneys handle every aspect of your case, including explaining how important a police report is in a car accident in Florida. They will also collect additional evidence that supports your case, including:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Injury photos
- Accident scene photos
- Accident reconstruction
- Witness statements
- First responder reports
- Expert testimonials
Your legal team will organize your evidence and submit it to the at-fault driver and their representative. They will also use it to steer your case toward a settlement.
Auto Accident Case Evidence Starts With the Information in the Police Report
To recover damages, the insurance company will require proof of their policyholder’s negligence, including duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Your car accident report will include:
- Road and weather conditions
- Key contact information
- Narratives and diagrams
When a car accident attorney in Florida represents you, they will build a compelling evidence collection and clarify the police report’s importance in car accidents.
How Florida’s Statute of Limitations Affects Your Auto Accident Case
Car accident cases rarely result in a fort lauderdale personal injury lawyer lawsuit since most are resolved with an insurance settlement. It is still important that your lawsuit is filed on time since filing it too late could mean:
- You cannot file your lawsuit.
- It will be dismissed out of hand.
It could also mean the insurance company will refuse to negotiate with you, and you will have no legal recourse that compels the at-fault driver to compensate you. A local attorney can help you avoid the costly consequences of filing your lawsuit too late.
The Law Enforcement Accident Report Can Affect Your Case’s Filing Deadline
In general, you have two years to file your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. Depending on the car accident victim’s age and other factors, Florida Statutes § 95.051 could extend the filing deadline.
The role of the police report in accident investigation includes documenting the date, time, and location of the collision. This can help you and your attorney stay on track.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a recent car accident, our law firm will explain your compensation options and the significance of the traffic crash report. We also explain the importance of supporting evidence and what role the police report can play in your auto accident case.
You can learn more about the evidence we can collect for you and how hard we fight to recover damages by calling the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at (954) 633-8270.
