The Significance Of Car Accident Reports
Car accident laws require the filing of car accident reports no matter the gravity of the accident. In most states such reports are submitted to the police or to the Department of Motor Vehicles for future reference in case any of the parties to the accident decide to file an auto compensation claim or a criminal case.
Every person who figures in an accident should file an accident report and should get a copy of the report whether he decides to sue or to enter into a car accident insurance settlement. The contents of the report are vital to any case filed (that is related to the accident) and also in coming up with an insurance settlement amount. The report, which contains the facts and consequences surrounding the accident, will help in determining liability in the car accident. Of course, there can be many versions of the report depending on who gave the information.
While the accident report should be completed immediately after an accident, the injured persons should be given medical attention first. Parties to the accident are cautioned against making any statements at the scene to avoid being entangled by testimony that might be construed as an admission of guilt or fault later on. If you are involved in an auto accident, it is best to seek treatment first and allow your lawyer to do the talking.
It is usually the police who can give an unbiased report of the accident and they should be called to the accident scene. The statement by the police is also considered the official auto accident report. The parties to the accident should get photos of the scene, or if they are unable to do so, should request friends or relatives to take photos of the incident scene. The insurance companies of both parties to the accident are also expected to get their own version of the accident report for their own use. One of the main purposes of the accident report compiled by the insurance company (aside from determining fault) is to determine the extent of damage to the vehicle insured with them. Generally, car accident reports should be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles within three days or 72 hours after the accident. Every party to an accident is required to file his own accident report even if such a report has already been filed by police investigators. Take note that your driving privileges can be suspended if you fail to file an accident report. An auto accident report should contain the following:
* Date of the accident
* Time when the accident happened
* Location of the accident
* Name of the insurance company providing liability insurance for the vehicle involved There are also specific items in the auto accident report that should be filled in if the collision involves a totaled vehicle or a vehicle declared as a total loss that can no longer be repaired (a write off). While completing the car accident report, it is important to look into the extent of damage to the car or the injuries you have suffered. It is also important to take note that while you and the other party have your own versions of the report, a legal and official auto accident report filed by the authorities will have more strength in court.
Motor Vehicle Accident
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