Dealing With the Police After a Car Accident
According to Drive Safe Alabama, a traffic crash was reported every 3 minutes and 38 seconds in the state in 2022. 986 people died in motor vehicle accidents the same year, and more than 27,000 people were injured.
If you are ever involved in a car accident that requires law enforcement, it’s important to know what to do and not do during your interactions. Here is what you need to know when dealing with the police after a car accident in Alabama.
The Requirement To Report an Auto Accident
The first thing to know when dealing with the police is your requirement to report a collision to them. Under Alabama law, you must notify the police of an accident that involves injury or death. The law says you must do so by the “quickest means of communication,” which is typically by calling 911 or the local police to report the accident.
An Officer’s Role After an Accident
After you report the accident to law enforcement, an officer may respond to the scene to complete an investigation and render aid.
The law enforcement officer’s duty is to investigate, determine whether somebody broke a traffic law or other law, issue citations as appropriate, prepare a report, and call for medical services if necessary. It’s vital to understand this limited role and that the officer is not there to help you with your future insurance claim.
What To Do When Dealing With the Police At a Crash Scene
Here are some tips on dealing with the police:
Stick To the Facts
Avoid giving opinions about the accident. Instead, stick to the facts, such as the direction you were traveling.
Be Respectful
Be polite and cooperative when police respond to the scene. If law enforcement asks you a question you are uncomfortable answering without legal assistance, you can politely decline to answer.
Complete Your Own Investigation
The police are there to secure the scene, render aid, and complete a preliminary investigation. You should not depend on their investigation to prove your claim.
Complete your own legwork by:
- Asking the other driver for their information
- Asking witnesses for their information
- Taking pictures of the scene, including skid marks, property damage, and injuries
Even if this information makes it into the police report, it’s better that you have it just in case it doesn’t.
Ask for a Copy of the Report
Ask law enforcement how to get a copy of the accident report once it is completed.
What Not To Do When Dealing With the Police
Just as it’s important to know what to do when dealing with the police, it’s just as important to know what not to do.
Don’t Discuss Fault
It’s crucial that you do not take the blame for the accident or say anything like “I’m sorry” to police or other motorists. This can be considered an admission of fault that can be used against you. Additionally, Alabama’s strict contributory negligence rule can bar you from recovering any compensation if you played any role in the accident.
Also, you don’t know the underlying facts of what might have caused the collision. For example, the vehicle that caused the accident could have a defect that contributed, or the other driver could have been drinking and driving.
Don’t Guess
If law enforcement asks you a question you don’t know the answer to, it’s fine to say, “I don’t know.” Don’t try to guess an answer, such as guessing the speed you were traveling at the time of impact, if you don’t know it. Inconsistent statements and information about the crash could be used to justify a denial of your claim.
Don’t Decline Medical Assistance
If law enforcement or emergency medical service providers recommend seeking medical treatment, do so. Not doing so sends the message that you were not really injured or serious about your health.
Contact the Alabama Car Accident Attorneys at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (205) 206-5088
If you were injured in a car accident in Montgomery, Huntsville, or Birmingham, Alabama, you do not have to deal with the claims process alone. An experienced attorney can handle communications with insurance companies and other parties, request accident reports, and negotiate for fair compensation for your claim.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 206-5088
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Hunstville, AL, 35801
(256) 666-4660
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 513-2110