When a fatal car accident happens, police officers are the first on the scene and are required to file a report with the state. Each state has a dedicated agency for investigating accidents, generally part of the Department of Transportation. The police will make initial observations of the scene, obtain statements from witnesses, and document the severity of injuries. They will also take photos, note the location of the victim’s body, and gather all relevant information.
After a crash, make sure to exchange contact information with other parties involved. It’s also a good idea to exchange insurance cards with anyone who witnessed the accident. Obtain the police report number from both vehicles. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, they can call the police. They will assess the situation and give you a report number. You should exchange contact information with witnesses, gather their insurance cards, and write down any other details that you may have.
The information in a police report can be factual or opinion-based. Facts include the date, location, and time of the accident. Opinions about fault, however, will be determined by the investigating officer after a thorough investigation. It’s important that you understand the details of this police report before you make your claim. This way, you can be sure to get a fair settlement. While it’s rare for a fatal car accident to result in liability, the police report will help determine who should pay for any medical bills associated with the crash.
