Nobody plans to be involved in an auto accident when traveling on Connecticut roads. But when they happen, Connecticut car accidents can be overwhelming for all parties involved. The process of filing a claim, especially if you have sustained an injury, can be complex and confusing.
However, one of the key components to pursuing compensation after an auto accident is the police report. That's why it's important to know more about this important accident document.
What evidence will police gather at a crash scene?
After an accident occurs, you must always exchange insurance information with other parties involved. You must then call the police. Once an officer arrives at the accident scene, he or she will make note of:
- Tire skid marks in the road
- The direction vehicles were traveling
- The location of the accident
- The condition of the roads
- Weather conditions
- Any parties who may have been alcohol or drug-impaired
- Any parties that needed medical attention
In rare cases, police may not arrive at the crash scene. If your accident doesn't seem serious enough, if it's in a remote location, or if police are responding to another emergency, then you may have to take matters into your own hands.
You can gather evidence by taking pictures and videos of the crash scene and interviewing witnesses. Crash reports can then be filed at the nearest police station.
Why police reports are important after an auto accident?
No two auto accidents in Connecticut are alike. In many cases, these accidents can be complex. Proving who was at fault can be difficult. A police report gives you and your attorney a solid basis to work with when pursuing an accident claim.
If the other driver's insurance company attempts to dispute your claim, or twist the facts around, an official police accident report can provide unbiased evidence explaining how the crash really occurred. Without a police report, it's your word against the other driver and his or her insurance company.
If you have been involved in an auto accident in Connecticut, your police report can generally be obtained online within 2-4 weeks from the date of the crash for certain municipal police departments. Report summaries from the State Police are generally available within that same time frame; however, the full report may take longer.
An experienced, Connecticut auto accident attorney at the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli can work with you to obtain the compensation you deserve. We know how to take on insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.