Can Police Reports Be Considered Evidence in a Claim?

After a car accident, police officers will typically create a report to document the details of the crash. Insurance companies can use this report to help determine who was at fault for the accident and if any compensation should be paid out. However, there are some essential things to remember regarding police reports and what they mean to your claim. Let's examine how police reports can influence your car accident claim.

The Insurance Company's Perspective

When an insurance company is looking at a police report, they are looking for three main pieces of information that could influence their decision on who is responsible for the accident and if compensation should be paid:

1. They want to know who caused the accident.
2. They want to know what kind of damage or injuries were sustained in the crash.
3. They want to know whether or not the law enforcement officer issued any traffic citations after the incident.

Confusion with Details

Not all police reports are created equally; some may contain incorrect information due to human error or confusion about specific details during or after the incident.

It's also possible that some evidence might be omitted from the report entirely due to an officer's lack of knowledge about certain aspects of a crash or insufficient investigation into all potential contributing factors. For this reason, you must double-check any information contained within a police report before submitting it as evidence in your claim.

Admissibility in Court

While most insurance companies will consider a police report as part of their evaluation process for determining fault and possible compensation amounts, it is important to remember that these reports are not always admissible as evidence in court proceedings related to car accidents. This is because many states have specific rules regarding what types of evidence can be used in court cases and oftentimes require additional evidence, such as witness testimony or expert opinion, for something like a police report to be accepted as valid proof by a judge. In Tennessee, police reports are considered hearsay in court.

While it may seem like an easy solution, relying solely on a police report as proof when filing a car accident claim may not always be enough. Depending on your state's laws and regulations surrounding such claims, it's best practice to consult an experienced attorney who can advise you on how best to proceed with your case and what other forms of evidence you may need beyond just a police report for your claim to succeed. With proper legal guidance and strong documentation behind you, you can rest assured knowing that your case will have its best chance at success both inside and outside the courtroom.

How Witherington Injury Law Can Help

At Witherington Injury Law, we understand that understanding car accident claims and insurance policies can be difficult, and we are here to help. Our team of attorneys is experienced in dealing with all types of car accident claims and can assist you in navigating the legal process. We will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for any losses incurred due to the accident.

Contact us today at (615) 697-6503 for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your car accident claim.