How Is A Police Report Used In A Personal Injury Case? Part 1

The attorneys and staff of Powell Law are experienced in helping personal injury victims recover compensation for their injuries and move forward. Even settling a claim for personal injuries without litigating it can be an arduous process. Today’s blog discusses how the information and details contained in a police report are important in a personal injury case.

A law enforcement agency, whether local police, county sheriffs, state police, or highway patrol officers, will usually respond to motor vehicle accidents when some personal physical injury and/or significant property damage is incurred. In turn, it will generate a police report reflective of the particular law enforcement agency’s routine investigation into the accident. Drivers and passengers alike are entitled to receive a copy of this report.

A Police Report Contains Important Details of the Case

On one level, a police report is valuable simply because it usually organizes all of the relevant information relating to the incident such as:

• date, time and location of the accident;
• the names and addresses of all parties and witnesses who were involved in and who observed the accident;
• the names and addresses of all injured parties, a summary of their injuries, whether they received medical attention, and whether they were taken to a medical facility;
• description of the vehicles involved in the accident;
• details of the accident, including a diagram of the accident scene showing the layout of the road, position of the vehicles, the location of skid marks and any other notable accident details;
• description of road, weather, and lighting conditions,
• description of property damage apparently resulting from the accident.

The information contained in a police report isn’t always accurate. However, some things may be amended depending upon the fact or detail in question. Accordingly, amending mere factual errors in a report may be relatively simple in contrast to amending a disputed fact such as fault.

Even a minor motor vehicle accident may cause serious injuries that may limit the ability to work and conduct daily activities. If it becomes necessary later to litigate a claim for damages, it will be necessary to possess a copy of the police report related to the incident.

If you require legal assistance in litigating a claim for damages resulting from a personal injury, contact Powell Law. Our long history of success in representing the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania makes Powell Law the clear and obvious choice for representation in personal injury matters. Contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777 or visit us online. The consultation is FREE and you don’t pay unless we win!