When you are involved in an auto accident, there are several steps to protect your legal rights. Although you may question whether filing a police report is necessary, it is a vital step in the post-accident process that increases your chances of winning a fair settlement.
Third-Party Documentation
A police report serves as an official, third-party record of what occurred during the auto accident. A police officer is an unbiased party to the accident whose job is to document objective information. The officer will observe and record factual statements about the incident.
Record Important Information
A police report records vital information for your case that you may not have noticed at the accident scene due to emotional or medical fallout from the accident. You can use this information to prove your case by your legal representation when filing a lawsuit.
Important data contained in a police report includes:
- Exact location
- Time and date
- Property and vehicle damage
- Injuries sustained
- Witness statements
- Driver and passenger statements
- Environmental conditions
Required in Certain Situations
Police reports are required in certain situations in New Jersey. If the property damage to either vehicle is more than $500, the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles requires you to notify the police. This means you’ll file a police report in most auto accident situations.
Most insurance agencies require you to submit a police report along with your claims as well. Although this isn’t a legal requirement, you won’t be able to receive an insurance payout if you don’t submit a police report along with your claim information.
Assessing Negligence
A police report can stand against a defendant’s claim that you are partially or fully responsible for an accident. This is important due to New Jersey’s comparative negligence doctrine, which states that if you are found to be partially at fault, your percentage of responsibility will be deducted from damages awarded.
Speak With an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
If you are involved in a vehicle accident in New Jersey, always file a police report after the incident. A police report protects your rights and records valuable information to support your case. Work with an auto accident lawyer in New Jersey to navigate your auto accident lawsuit. Contact our attorneys for results in your case.