We always tell our clients that, regardless of what type of accident they’re involved in, they need to call the police. So many drivers assume that it’s okay to just exchange insurance information with the other driver. They don’t realize why it’s so important that they call the police. The truth is that, without the police report, your accident lawyer in Atlanta will have a very difficult time proving your case. Without the detailed information included in the police report, they will have to find some other way to prove negligence. When you consider what’s on the line, you need all the help you can find.
Our Atlanta car accident attorneys work hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve. However, to do that, we need as much information as possible. If you agree to not call the cops, you have no idea what you may be in for. For all you know, the other driver may have given you fake insurance information. They could have been driving a stolen car for all you know. That’s why it’s important that you call 911 immediately after your Georgia car accident. Not only do you need to protect yourself from being taken advantage of, but your accident lawyer in Atlanta does need the police report to use as evidence against the other driver.
Here, we will discuss the information that is contained in the police report. We’ll also explain why it’s so important that your Atlanta car accident attorney have a copy of the report. If you have questions or concerns about your own car accident lawsuit, contact our office directly. We can schedule your free, initial consultation over the phone, or you can do so online.
The Cops Will Check to Make Sure Both Drivers Have Valid Insurance
It’s illegal to drive in Georgia without car insurance. In fact, it doesn’t matter where you live in this country. The reason you’re required to carry insurance is so that the State isn’t left to pay the bills associated to your motor vehicle accident. When the cops come to the accident scene, the first thing they’ll do is make sure everybody is okay. If anybody needs emergency medical attention, they’ll arrange to have an ambulance take them to the emergency room.
Once this is sorted out, the cops will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene. Some of the things they’re looking for include:
- Whether either driver is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- If the two drivers have any outstanding warrants or charges
- Confirm that the drivers involved have a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance card
- Ensure that any citations or tickets are issued for speeding, distracted driving, etc.
- Take down a description of the road conditions
- Talk to any eyewitnesses to get their statements and contact information
- Get a statement from each driver
- Take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to your vehicles
Of course, the cops are going to put all of this information into their police report. They’ll make this report available to you within a day or two. You’ll want to make sure you get a copy of this report to your accident lawyer in Atlanta.
Can’t Your Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Get This Information Another Way?
Some of our clients don’t realize just how important the police report is. When we explain why we need it so badly, they suggest we just get the information some other way. What they don’t realize is that there really is no other way to get much of the information contained in the police report.
For example, once the accident scene is cleared, there’s no way to know if there were any eyewitnesses. Even if there were, there’s no way to track them down now. The same thing is true if the other driver was drunk or high at the time of the crash. Once a few hours go by, there’s no way to test them for drugs or alcohol. You may never see the other driver again. If they gave you false information, there’s a good chance they’re long gone. Even your Atlanta car accident attorney will have no way to get in touch with them. They certainly can’t prove that the person driving the car was stolen. Even if they track down the owner of the car, they may not be willing to talk to your accident lawyer in Atlanta.
The Insurance Company Will Also Need the Police Report
Your Atlanta car accident attorney isn’t the only one who needs a copy of the police report. The insurance adjuster is going to request one too. They understand that the only way to get unbiased information is to talk to the police who investigated the accident. If you never called 911, it will end up being your word against the word of the other driver.
When you think about it, not calling the police isn’t beneficial to anybody. If the other driver pressured you to not call the cops, there’s a reason and it isn’t good. There’s never a good reason to push another driver to not call 911. Unless the other driver is up to no good, they would be eager to call the police.
Contact an Experienced Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Right Away
If you’ve been hurt in any sort of car accident, you owe it to yourself to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney. Your lawyer will sit down with you and go over your story. They’ll answer any questions you may have about the case. They can also give you an idea of what your case is worth. As long as they have the tools needed to prove your case, they should be able to get you the compensation you deserve. All you have to do is call our office and schedule your free, initial consultation.
