Do I Need a Police Report After a Car Accident?

Rutter Mills Law Firm

Do I Need a Police Report After a Car Accident?

Car Accident Info

Yes! Getting a police report after any vehicle accident is a good idea. It is official documentation that can protect you in a potential insurance claim or lawsuit. Virginia residents have to report a car accident to authorities if it results in injury, damage to attended property, or death.

What about minor collisions that cause minimal property damage? At the time of the incident, you may think calling the police is overkill, but it’s truly the best way to preserve your rights. Even in situations where all parties are amicable, and liability is not contested, there’s no telling what the other driver will say or do later. They could attempt to sue you for vehicle repairs or an injury you didn’t cause.

Police reports are valuable documentation

Regardless of who is being blamed for the crash, you should request a copy of the police report. This document provides critical information for your insurance provider and car accident lawyer.

The reality is that few people think clearly in the first moments after a car accident. Thanks to surging adrenaline, you may be in shock or injured but completely unaware. Injuries like whiplash can take time to show symptoms. Sometimes, it may be several days before you get achy and notice things are not quite right.

Without a police report, there is technically no official record of the accident, making it extremely difficult if future litigation arises. A police report is impartial third-party documentation your car accident attorney will need. Without this unbiased report, it’s your word against the other driver’s.

If you suspect that the other driver was impaired or distracted at the time of the accident, you want an officer on the scene to document and record what they see with total objectivity. Police are trained to question all involved parties and note observations about the accident in detail.

Information that is included in a police report

In addition to speaking to witnesses and calling emergency services as needed, officers will take down the following information:

  • Time, date, and location of the accident
  • All property damage sustained to vehicles or other objects
  • Identifying information for all parties involved in the accident
  • Any apparent injuries suffered by drivers, occupants, or pedestrians
  • Identifying information of witnesses to the collision
  • Driver statements on their side of the story
  • Witness statements on their perspective of the collision
  • Pertinent details about contributing factors like poor weather conditions, road hazards, etc.
  • If a citation or ticket was issued
  • Opinion as to the cause of the accident

Police reports are typically reviewed during settlement negotiations and can bolster your chances of securing a favorable award if the other party was at fault.

Contact us today for a free consultation

If you are seeking compensation after a collision, Rutter Mills car accident lawyers have the resources and experience to guide you in the right direction. Virginia residents have come to trust our team for aggressive, results-focused representation.

Car Accident Lawyers

Car Accident Lawyer Resources – Areas Served

Contact a Rutter Mills attorney to speak about your case today.

Consent
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Experience
0
+

Years Helping Accident Victims

Locations
0

Convenient Offices

Our Team
0
+

Team members ready to help.

TESTIMONIALS

You don’t have to worry about the bills, just get healthy.

Dave Put His Trust in Us

Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games

Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.

They enabled me to be happy in life again.

Get Back On Track

Protecting Your Future

Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.

When You Need Someone In Your Corner

Don’t Go It Alone

When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.

Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything

When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.

Watch his 30 second testimonial video
Watch Glenn's 30 second story
Watch Dan's 30 second video
Watch Larena's 30 second story
Watch Jamaree's 30 second video
Watch Levon's 30 second video
Watch Ed's 30 second story
Watch Carl's 30 second video
TESTIMONIALS How We Helped