After a car crash, you are left in a state of shock and panic. You may be trying to recall what went wrong and what happened that resulted in suddenly being injured and having your car damaged.
During this time, your state of mind is not clear and you may be uncertain of what to do or who to talk to. One of the most important steps you must take following a car accident in Kansas City is contacting the cops. From the desk of our Kansas City personal inkjury lawyers, here's how to file a police report following an auto accident.
How to Properly File a Car Accident Report
A police report plays an important role in your case. It is considered the most accurate account of what actually happened and is used to determine who is financially responsible. For this reason, knowing how to best work with the police is important. Here are a few tips to help during this time.
- Be Honest. Lying to a police officer will only hurt your case. Instead, be as honest as possible and if there is something you cannot remember, tell them that you are too shaken up to recollect that specific detail. This is perfectly normal and perfectly fair.
- Get Contact Information. Following an auto accident in Kansas City, you will not only want to get the contact information of the other party, but you will also want to get the information of the police officer who is filing the report. This may be necessary later when the insurance company requests more information.
- Call Regardless of Damage. No matter what, you should get in touch with the police. Filing a police report is an important step in your insurance case and without it you could hurt your chances of a fair settlement.
Contact Our Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers if You Still Need Help
Now that you've learned how to file a police report after an auto acccident, contact our Kansas City personal injury lawyers for help managing your case with the insurance company. Connect to us as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights and to schedule a free consultation about your case.
In addition, we offer a free car accident checklist to keep in your glove compartment in case you're ever in an accident. Get a copy for your car today!