Attorney
Yes, it’s possible to submit a car accident claim without a police report, but it may complicate things. For minor accidents in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, the law doesn’t require you to file a police report. However, without it, you’ll need to develop alternative evidence to support your claim. Possibilities include:
- Photos: Ensure you snap pictures of the vehicle damage, the scene, and visible injuries.
- Witness Statements: Get the contact information for any witnesses, along with their statements.
- Medical Records: Carefully document any injuries and treatments resulting from your accident and request copies of all medical records.
- Detailed Notes: Write down how the accident happened in your own words, noting the time, date, and location.
If you don’t file a report, your insurance company will do a more detailed investigation. Having as much supporting evidence as possible helps your Washington, D.C. car accident attorney ensure they protect your rights.
Importance of a Police Report After a Car Accident
A police report is an official record of your accident. It notes critical information, including the time, date, location, and all parties involved. It gives you an unbiased view of the accident and can include officer observations and witness statements. These elements are vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
The report may streamline your claims process in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland because it gives clear evidence to support your case. If you don’t get one, you may run into challenges proving damages or who was at fault. Ensuring you get a police report filed after your accident helps protect your rights. It can also significantly change your claim’s outcome, and it helps your Maryland car accident attorney build your case.
How Do Police Determine Fault in an Accident?
When police arrive at the accident scene, they’ll do several things to build the report. These things include:
- Examining the Accident Scene: Officers examine the scene, looking at the vehicle position, road conditions, and skid marks.
- Perform Interviews: They interview the drivers, passengers, and any witnesses to get different viewpoints on the accident.
- Collect Evidence: They gather evidence, including measurements and photographs, and review the local traffic laws to determine if there were violations.
- Determine Impact Points: They look at vehicle damage to get an idea of impact points.
They put all this information in the police report, which acts as an objective basis for determining fault. If you’re in an accident, your Virginia car accident lawyer will use this information to fight for your case.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys
If you’re wondering whether you can you claim a car accident without a police report in Washington, D.C., Virginia, or Maryland, reach out to our team at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP. Navigating the claims process can be challenging, but we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our dedicated attorneys guide you through every step to protect your rights.