You were just involved in an auto accident in Phoenix. You may be confused and frustrated. The negligent actions of another driver caused your crash. Now what?

After any auto accident, you will need to file a claim, especially if you sustained an injury. However, in order to provide solid evidence to support your claim, you need to make sure a police report is filed. You can do this by calling the police immediately after the crash.

If you have any questions regarding your claim, an experienced auto accident attorney can guide you through the process.

How police gather evidence from a crash scene

Once police arrive, they will examine the crash scene and document any evidence found. This can include:

  • Tire marks indicating that brakes were applied
  • The accident location
  • The direction vehicles were traveling
  • Road conditions
  • How many vehicles were involved
  • If any parties were impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Witness statements
  • If any citations were issued
  • If any parties were taken to the hospital

If police don’t come to the scene of the crash, you should take photos and speak to witnesses if you’re able to do so. You may use the evidence you find to later file a report.

How evidence is used in an auto accident claim

Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, it’s crucial to contact the police. Without a police report, it’s often your word against the other driver’s word. Failing to file a police report can also reduce your likelihood of collecting compensation for any injuries accrued from the crash.

Additionally, without a police report, the other driver’s insurance company has more leverage to downplay or deny your claim. They can twist the facts and attempt to place the blame on you.

Once a police report has been filed, the evidence is officially documented and can be retrieved by an experienced Phoenix auto accident attorney. If the other driver’s insurance company refuses to compensate you for your losses, the evidence found in the police report can be used to support your claim in court.

Bear in mind that although the police are well trained to investigate accidents, police reports are not infallible. If the report contradicts your memory of events, it’s even more important to have an experienced lawyer representing your interests. We can help set the record straight.

This is just one of the pivotal steps in securing a solid claim after an accident. The attorneys at Israel & Gerity, PLLC know how to use police reports to your advantage. We have nearly two decades of legal experience helping injured motorists in Phoenix maximize their compensation. Contact us today and find out how we can help you.