What Can I Expect the Police Officer to Do at the Accident Scene? Contact Schierer & Ritchie LLC for a free consultation.
If you get into a car accident, one of the first things you should do is contact the police, especially if there are injuries. The officer will ensure everyone is safe, assess the accident scene, and document their findings in an official police report.
Call us at (866) 250-7527 for a free and confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and secure the compensation you deserve.
Benefits of Notifying the Police
You should always contact the police after an accident, even if you believe you may have been at fault. Here’s why:
- Calm and Rational Assessment: Police officers will arrive at the accident scene calmly and rationally and provide an objective assessment.
- Official Documentation: The police report will be indispensable if you must make an insurance claim or participate in a personal injury lawsuit.
- Traffic Management: Officers will divert traffic and facilitate cleanup to ensure the road is safe for others.
- Assistance and Support: The police are there to help everyone involved in the accident, including you.
An Officer’s Duties at the Accident Scene
The police officer will perform several key tasks upon arrival at the scene:
- Speak to Involved Parties and Witnesses: The officer will interview all involved parties and witnesses to the accident to obtain statements about what happened. They will also collect each person’s contact information. It’s essential to answer the officer’s questions truthfully and stick to the facts, as everything you say could end up in the police report.
- Take Photos: In some cases, the police officer will take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, their license plates, and any road signage in the area. Even if the officer takes pictures, it’s a good idea for you to do so. This evidence could be invaluable in the case of an insurance dispute or personal injury lawsuit.
- Conduct Field Sobriety Tests: Suppose the officer has any reason to believe that one or more parties were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. In that case, they may conduct field sobriety tests or transport the driver to a medical facility for a blood test. If it’s determined that the driver is under the influence, they will be arrested.
- Issue Traffic Citations: The police officer may issue a citation to a driver if they determine that the driver violated a traffic law, such as running a stop sign or speeding. The driver may even have to appear in traffic court. If a lawsuit follows, the existence of a traffic citation can help to prove negligence.
- Write the Police Report: After examining the accident scene and interviewing involved parties and witnesses, the officer will write an official police report. This report typically includes:
- Time, date, and location of the accident
- Names of the people involved, along with their contact and insurance information
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Statements from involved parties and witnesses
- Conditions at the accident scene, including weather, lighting, and road conditions
- Any traffic citations issued or violations observed
- A diagram of the accident
- Descriptions of vehicle damage and injuries
- An opinion on what may have caused the collision and who was at fault
When speaking to the policeman, get their name, badge number, and report number, if possible. This will make it easier to obtain a copy of the police report when it’s available.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident
Car accidents are stressful for everyone involved, but understanding what police officers do at the accident scene can help you navigate the aftermath more calmly. Here are some steps to take:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
- Call the Police: Notify them immediately to report the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and gather witness information.
- Exchange Information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver(s).
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, even if you feel fine.
Contact Schierer & Ritchie LLC
If you have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact the law offices of Schierer & Ritchie LLC. Our experienced car accident attorneys will guide you through the process of recovering compensation for your injuries. Call us at (866) 250-7527 for a free and confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and secure the compensation you deserve.
