Road accidents are the major cause of deaths globally. According to reports, approximately 1.19 million people die in road accidents every year. An additional 20 million people experience non-fatal injuries, with some even leading to disability.
Generally, injuries sustained from car crashes cause a lot of economic losses to the victims, their families and even the nation. For this reason, you need to contact the police or investigating agency to record an accident report immediately after a car accident. This report comes in handy as we will explore below!
Road Accident Reports
A road accident report is an official record of the accident. The report captures the following details:
- Sequence of events
- Vehicle details
- The timestamp
- Accurate location of the accident
- Drug testing, etc.
Uses of A Car Accident Report
The main reason for having a road accident report is to ensure that all the details needed to seek compensation from your insurance company are properly captured. Additionally, such a report comes in handy in the resolution of legal cases related to the accident.
Factors That Are Important in A Car Accident Report
There are various factors that need to be captured clearly in a road accident report. Such factors include:
- Damage to the vehicle
- Condition of the road
- Witness statements
- Drug test
- Officer’s remarks
- Damage to the Vehicle
A road accident report should clearly record the damage sustained to the vehicle as a result of the accident. It should show the extent and location of the damage. This information is vital in reconstructing the accident scene with an to establish impact points and sequence of events.
- Condition of the Road
Another important aspect that needs to be well captured in a road accident report is the condition of the road. The main reason for having this information is to determine whether any external factors played a part in the accident.
- Witness Statements
Witness statements are a vital factor in resolving car accident cases and compensation claims. The statements are used to determine the integrity of the driver’s claims and can either contradict or support the driver’s statement.
- Drug Test
Drug test reports are an essential component of road accident legal cases and insurance claims. The report is used to determine whether any of the parties involved in the accident were on alcohol or drugs. This report significantly changes who can be held liable for an accident and can influence the outcome of the case.
- Officer’s Remarks
The responding officer’s remarks can have a huge impact on a road accident report. These remarks state the officer’s narrative and their assessment of fault based on evidence.
Instructions on Car Accident Reporting
To ensure that a car accident is properly reported, you need to follow the steps below:
- Notify the authorities immediately: After an accident, you need to contact the local police or sheriff immediately.
- Exchange information with other parties: You need to share contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the car accident.
- Ensure recording of an official report: You must ensure that the officer in charge has recorded an official report for filing.
- Get a copy of the report: Request the responding officer to issue a copy of the accident report.
- Review the report and take action: Once you get a copy of the report, review it thoroughly and take the necessary action.
Get Professional Help With Your Road Accident Report
Hiring an experienced lawyer is good for you, especially when it comes to car accident claims or lawsuits. Whether you need help with reviewing the accident report, negotiating with the insurance company, or preparing a lawsuit, a lawyer will come in handy to help you secure suitable compensation.
