Being involved in an accident can be stressful and overwhelming as you may have sustained serious injuries through no fault of your own. The steps you take after a collision are crucial to maximize your chances of recovering monetary compensation for your damages. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you need to seek immediate medical attention. To do this, call 911. Once you have called 911, if you are physically able to do so, you should call the police. Oftentimes, people don’t think that it is necessary to notify the police if it was a minor accident. However, that is not the case. Informing the police is critical to building a strong case as they will help you investigate the cause of the collision and establish liability. Keep reading to learn the significance of calling the police after an accident and discover how a dedicated Bronx Car Accident Lawyer can help you.
Why is it so important to call the police after an accident?
If you are injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you are legally entitled to take legal action against that party to collect compensation for your damages. However, personal injury claims require a substantial amount of evidence as you must satisfy the burden of proof. Essentially, you must prove that the other party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. Having that being said, calling the police is imperative as they will gather valuable information that can help you prove the cause of an accident and determine fault. For instance, they will report any physical evidence at the scene of the accident. This includes photographs of your injuries and vehicle damage. Police officers will also talk to witnesses and collect their statements about the events which can help corroborate your claim. Moreover, filing a police report provides the insurance company with critical information regarding your claim.
In some states, you are legally required to file a police report after a collision. In New Jersey, you must file a report with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission within 10 days of the accident. You are legally required to report an auto accident if the collision resulted in injury, death, or property damage of more than $500. In the written report you must include the cause of the accident, the circumstances of the accident, the persons and vehicles involved in the collision, and insurance information for all persons involved in the accident. You should not leave the scene of the accident until the police have arrived.
When you are injured in a car accident, it is imperative to call the police as soon as possible. It is also in your best interest to retain the legal services of a talented and experienced Bronx car accident lawyer who can help you navigate your legal options.