When you have been in a car accident, you should first stop your vehicle and call law enforcement. The police arrive at the accident scene, conduct an investigation and create a report of the accident. The police report is a crucial part of a car accident claim as it helps prove that the accident happened without the need to gather additional evidence.
Unfortunately, many car accident victims do not realize the importance of calling the police and collecting car accident reports. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another party, you must consult with an attorney from a Law Firm and learn how to protect your rights. Even minor mistakes can ruin your claim and reduce your compensation.
Common queries about car accident reports
- Do you need to call law enforcement after a car accident?
Yes. It is crucial and even mandatory to call law enforcement after a car accident. You must notify the police if the accident has resulted in property damage, personal injury, and death. Calling 911 is the best way to protect your rights. They can also ensure you receive the quickest medical assistance if needed.
While police officers do not investigate minor car crashes, they still create an accident which you can collect from them later. This report is crucial to your accident claim.
- How long do you have to report a car accident in Utah?
If you have been in a car accident in Utah and are physically unable to report it to the police at the time of the accident, you have 15 days to inform them. The owners of the vehicles involved in the accident are required to make the report. However, it is recommended to make the report as soon as possible to preserve evidence. The longer you wait, the less evidence the police can gather from the site.
- Should I admit fault at the accident scene?
When the police arrive at the scene and work on creating a report, you must not admit fault. Even if you think you were responsible for the accident, you should not assume that your judgment is right before consulting with an attorney. Sometimes the truth is far from the version you create in your head.
If you admit fault, it gets recorded in the police report, which can be significantly disadvantageous to your claim.
- How do you get an accident report in Utah?
You must collect a copy of the accident report to strengthen your claim. There are two ways you can do that. You can order a copy of that report electronically through the website crashreport.utah.gov, or you can personally visit the police station. You can also ask your attorney to collect it on your behalf.
