In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in an accident, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. If you are physically able, call 911 as soon as possible. By doing so, an ambulance will be dispatched to your location and you will be transported to the nearest hospital. As you wait for the ambulance to arrive, you should contact the police. Overwhelmed by this traumatic incident, the police can be a source of help and information. Many people wonder whether they should notify the police after an accident, especially if they only sustained minor injuries. However, regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should call the police. The police are a crucial key to understanding the facts of an accident as they will preserve the accident scene, investigate the cause of the collision, and document the potential cause of the collision. Keep reading to learn more about the significance of calling the police after an accident and discover how a knowledgeable Morris County Personal Injury Attorney can help you today.
Why should I call the police after an accident?
When you are injured in a collision, calling the police is crucial. People often assume they do not need to file a police report. However, it is imperative to file a police report to document that accident. If you were injured through no fault of your own, you are legally entitled to pursue legal action against another party to seek compensation for your damages. If you decide to take legal action, this step will help make your case stronger. The police report will include valuable information, such as the officer’s opinion that one party committed a traffic violation, causing the accident. Moreover, a police report documents any physical evidence at the accident scene. This may include photographs of your injuries, the collision location, skid marks, and any vehicle damage. These pieces of physical evidence are vital as they can help recreate the incident later to determine the cause of the crash and establish liability.
Furthermore, you should wait for the police to arrive at the scene of the accident as they will inform you of the next steps you should take. For instance, in minor accident cases, they may tell you to exchange information. If this is the case, you must obtain their full name, driver’s license number, license plate number, phone number, insurance company (policy number), and the make and model of the vehicle. It is also beneficial to take the name and badge number of the police officer as you will need a copy of the police report once it is drafted.
If you were injured in a severe accident, you should not hesitate to call the police as their input and actions can help your accident case. Contact a determined Morris County personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the necessary steps to seek reasonable compensation for your damages.