How important is a police report after a car accident?

There are times when people think that they can solve a car accident without the police. Either because they want to evade responsibility, because they fear the consequences, or because they consider that the accident is not so severe that the presence of the police is necessary. However, the reality is that their absence can create an even more serious problem, especially if there are severe injuries or if the person later wants to file a personal injury lawsuit.

When you are involved in an accident, it is best to wait for the police to arrive and not leave the scene. Doing so is illegal and can have serious consequences for the person, plus it can be considered an immediate admission of responsibility. But, of course, if you need immediate medical attention, or you consider it dangerous to remain at the scene of the accident, then you should do so and then discuss it with the police.

Here are some of the reasons why a police report is crucial information after an accident:

A police report not only includes general information on when, where, and at what time the accident occurred, it is a neutral source of information that does not take sides and that, therefore, is objective and very useful during the investigation.

• Includes information on the parties involved. Names, telephone numbers, license plates, etc., of the people involved in the crash, as well as other people who may have witnessed the accident and who can act as key witnesses.
• In the same way, it includes statements from both the people involved and possible witnesses. These statements may include an admission of responsibility by the guilty person and details of witnesses who can verify that the person was acting negligently. Something that makes it impossible for a person to deny any kind of responsibility or even that the accident occurred.
• Description of the accident. In the police report, officers will include a complete description of the accident scene, from the damage to the vehicles or any other property to the injuries of the victims and the weather conditions.
• Appointments and/or fines. This report will also include the actions to follow for the parties involved, if they will have to appear in a police or legal office, or if a fine is essential. 

However, it should be noted that in Los Angeles, the police no longer make reports if there were no people injured in the accident. In that case, you must make a report on their website.