It is always a good idea to call the police after a car accident. Police serve an important role in the documentation process after an accident and help keep involved parties safe.
- Officers responding to automobile collisions will interview the involved parties. The interview process can give insurance companies and lawyers an idea about who was at fault for a crash. Things an at-fault driver says after an accident to a police officer can be used against that driver in court if they are deemed “excited utterances.” The identities and contact information of each person involved in the accident will also be described in police reports. The date, time and location of an accident will also be documented in the police report.
- Incorrect information is less likely to be exchanged when a police officer is involved after an accident. Police officers obtain vital insurance information from drivers after an accident. This information is usually incorporated in accident reports authored by investigating officers and is used by insurance companies and parties to determine who to make property damage and injury claims with.
- Police officers document whether involved parties were injured as a result of the accident. It is important that a party injured in an accident report an injury as soon as possible. Police officers investigating accidents usually ask drivers and passengers involved in accidents whether they are injured. Notations of injuries are made in crash reports. Insurance companies will review these reports to determine who reported injury at the accident scene.
- Police officers usually make a determination of fault after an accident scene investigation and incorporate their opinions in their accident reports. Although their opinions are not binding in court, police officers’ determinations of fault help guide insurance companies and attorneys in determining what party caused an accident for purposes of settlement.
All of the important information described above will be contained in the investigating police officer’s crash report. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office will usually respond to accidents occurring on the westbank of Jefferson Parish in cities such as Harvey and Gretna and also to accidents occurring on the eastbank in cities like Kenner and Metairie. The New Orleans Police Department will most likely respond to all accident occurring in Orleans Parish. However, a Louisiana State Trooper may respond to an accident occurring in either parish depending on what roadway the accident occurred on.
To learn how to obtain police reports for accident occurring in either the westbank or eastbank, please refer to Lawyer Don’s previous article explaining how police reports can be obtained.
If you or a loved one is involved in an vehicular accident on the eastbank or westbank, contact Lawyer Don today for a free consultation. Lawyer Don has offices in Harvey and Metairie. However, he represents clients throughout southeast Louisiana. He makes free house calls and offers free consultations.
