How To Deal With The Police After A Car Accident

By Author: Jaedah Lewis
Total Articles: 10
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Vehicle accidents are more common than you think. In the year 2011 alone, the Arizona Dept. of Transportation reported that around 2.26 persons were killed every day due to accidents. 135.66 persons were injured according to the record and alcohol-related accidents were accounted for 31.30 of all lethal crashes. In addition, billions of dollars were lost due to accidents every year.

In case you were involved in a car accident and you were the victim or you lost companions and loved ones due to the other party’s negligence, it’s time that you consult a legal team. Look for a wrongful death attorney Arizona has lawyers specializing in cases like this. But before the lawyers of course you have to deal with the police force first. Here are some tips you have to remember to properly negotiate with the long arm of the law.

Is It Okay To Contact The Police?

If a car crash ends up with persons killed or injured, or caused considerable damage to property, law enforcement officers must probe in detail and file a written report regarding the crash. It is always good to contact the police because they can be a ...
... great source of important information, especially if there were no witnesses around. Written reports will include data such as the measurement of skid marks to the point of impact.

What Should I Do Before The Police Comes?

First and foremost, you have to check if there were persons hurt in the crash. Move fast, contact paramedics if the injuries look serious and should be attended as soon as possible. Prepare an exchange card with individuals on the scene: get required information from the persons involved in the mishap: name, address and telephone number/cellphone numbers of the driver. Do not forget to include the driver’s vehicle insurance company and the corresponding policy number. In addition, if the witnesses do not want to linger on the scene of the accident, be sure to get their vital information as well.

Is It Required To Move My Vehicle Before The Police Comes On The Scene?

To make the investigation of a crash easier and faster, persons involved should not move their vehicles out of the scene where it happened. But due to Arizona law, a case like a vehicle accident should not block traffic. All you have to do is attempt to recollect its precise position after the mishap and the time you moved it out of the traffic’s way. Give this info to the police officer.

What Procedures Will Police Officers Undertake Once They Arrive?

Police officers are obligated to write an accident report in circumstances that deals with injuries and serious property damage. The investigating officer will talk to all of the persons involved in the car crash together with the witnesses. He or she will collect relevant physical data and the officer will release documents as the incidents specify. Police officers are also required to request each person to arrange an exchange card which has data you might already have gotten from the other individuals with regards to his or her vehicle insurance info and identity. Remember to get the badge number, name and the agency the investigating officer is affiliated with as well.

What Takes Place After The Police Finishes The Investigation?

If you can still drive your vehicle or your car still works, you will be allowed to drive it by yourself. If your car is in dire straits, better make arrangements right away to have it towed. The police officers can help with this one too. Take down vital info such as the name and the location of the towing company. If you permitted the police to tow your car or truck, you might need to compromise the sooner the better because you will be asked to pay a daily storage rate while it remains in there.

As mentioned earlier, if the outcome of the accident was serious, you should heed the advice of a legal team. An Arizona truck driver lawyer will be able to fix and answer your queries involving personal injury and wrongful death claims. There are stringent rules regarding accidents in Arizona that’s why everybody should obey the rules. An accident involving only car or truck damage and no injuries will still revoke your driver’s license for a year and 5 years if the accident ends up in grave harm or death.

Alex and Associates, wrongful death lawyer phoenix, also offers phoenix truck accident lawyer services anytime you need it.