Being involved in a car accident is chaotic and frightening. When emergency services—including the police—arrive, the scene shifts from pure chaos to a formal investigation. How you behave and what you say in the presence of law enforcement can profoundly impact your ability to recover compensation later.
The primary role of the police officer is to secure the scene, assess injuries, and document the facts for an official report. This report is perhaps the most important piece of evidence in your injury claim. That’s why hiring a qualified car accident lawyer Kearns firm, like Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law, should be one of your very first calls.
Your Actions at the Scene: The Critical Do’s and Don’ts
When a police officer approaches you after a collision, your mind might still be reeling. Even if you feel shaken, remember to remain calm and follow these essential guidelines:
DO: Prioritize Safety and Cooperation
- Check for Injuries: First, assess yourself and any passengers. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Move to Safety: If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
- Provide Required Information: When the officer asks, provide your name, address, driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. This is a legal requirement.
- Stick to the Facts: When giving your statement to the officer, be brief and factual. State only what you clearly observed. For example: “The other car ran the red light and hit my passenger side.”
DON’T: Admitting Fault or Speculating
- Do Not Apologize or Admit Fault: Even a simple, “I’m sorry this happened,” can be misinterpreted by the other driver or the insurance company as an admission of fault. Do not speculate about what caused the crash. You don’t know all the factors.
- Do Not Engage in Arguments: Avoid arguing with the other driver, witnesses, or even the police officer. Remain composed.
- Do Not Discuss Injuries Extensively: Simply state that you believe you are injured and plan to seek medical attention. Downplaying your pain (“I’m fine, just a little sore”) can severely damage your claim later.
The difference between a strong police report and a weak one often hinges on what you say—or don’t say—at the scene. Skilled vehicle accident lawyers will review the police report for inaccuracies or omissions that could affect your ability to recover compensation. If you were injured, getting the right legal assistance is one of the signs you need an attorney right away.
The Value of the Official Police Report in Your Claim
In Utah, you must report an accident to the police if it involves injury, death, or property damage estimated to be over $2,500 (Utah Code S 41-6a-402). Even for crashes that appear minor, a police report is vital. It serves as an impartial, official record that insurance adjusters and courts rely on to establish liability.
The police report contains:
- The officer’s opinion on the cause of the crash.
- Statements from all drivers and witnesses.
- A diagram of the accident scene.
- Whether any driver was cited for a violation.
If the report contains mistakes—and they often do—it can seriously jeopardize your case. Insurance companies will use any mistake or ambiguity in the report to reduce the payout or deny the claim altogether. This is precisely why engaging a Kearns personal injury lawyer is critical. We review the report meticulously and take immediate action to have factual errors corrected, or provide additional evidence to counter unfavorable opinions stated by the officer.
Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law works hard to build a comprehensive case that uses the police report to our advantage while supplementing it with independent evidence like photos, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony. This level of preparation ensures that the insurance company cannot simply rely on a single document to deny your valid claim. When you need a trustworthy car accident lawyer Kearns, you need a firm that knows how to leverage every piece of evidence.
Why You Need Professional Representation Immediately
Many victims wait to hire an attorney until the insurance company’s low-ball settlement offer arrives. By then, valuable evidence may have disappeared, and the statute of limitations is ticking down. Moreover, the insurance adjuster has already started building a case against you, likely using statements you made at the scene or during initial phone calls.
Hiring Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law as your attorney for accident claim immediately protects you from these pitfalls. We take over all communication with law enforcement and insurance companies right away, ensuring you don’t accidentally say anything that could be used against you. We also take immediate action to:
- Preserve Evidence: We send preservation letters to businesses and government agencies that may hold relevant video or data.
- Coordinate Medical Care: We help you access the treatment you need, even if you don’t have health insurance, making sure all injuries are properly documented.
- Determine Full Damages: Unlike an insurance adjuster, we calculate the full financial impact of your injuries, including future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Experienced Utah accident attorneys are essential because, as the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) found in their study on tort cases, plaintiffs represented by an attorney receive significantly higher net compensation compared to those who represent themselves. This difference is often far more than enough to cover the legal fees, making legal representation a financially sound decision.
Porrazzo Rawlings: Your Kearns-Focused Legal Ally
When you choose Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law, you are gaining a dedicated vehicle accident lawyers team with deep local ties to the Kearns community and a proven track record against big insurance companies.
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge no upfront fees, and you pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Our job is to simplify the complex legal process, fully explain your options, and handle every detail from the police report review to the final settlement negotiation.
Porrazzo Rawlings is committed to securing the financial compensation that allows you to rebuild your life. Trust the car accident lawyer Kearns residents rely on.
Take Control of Your Recovery Today
Protect your rights and your future immediately after a crash. Contact Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law now for a free consultation.
- Call Us Now: (801) 553-0505 to speak directly with an attorney.
- Chat with Us: Visit our website to start a secure chat with a team member.
- Fill Out a Form: Complete our online contact form to receive a free case evaluation from a skilled Kearns personal injury lawyer.