Whether you have been involved in a minor fender-bender or a serious
car accident involving multiple vehicles and injuries, it is imperative to call law
enforcement to come to the scene of the collision. A police officer can
be an important source of assistance and information, especially if it
is your first accident and/or you are unfamiliar with what steps to take
following a crash.
Here are several reasons why you must always contact the police after a
car accident:
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Immediate medical attention – If you suffer a serious injury, the first thing you need is medical
care right away. Law enforcement is likely to arrive on the scene first,
and they will typically administer basic medical treatment for anyone
with visible injuries. In addition, the police can help an ambulance park
by clearing out an area and help the EMTs move injured individuals to
the ambulance.
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Accident scene protection – Law enforcement will block off the area surrounding a serious collision
to ensure it is free of traffic while an investigation is underway. Not
only does it create a safe environment for other drivers and witnesses
on the scene, but also for the police to investigate the situation.
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Collision investigation – Once the scene of the accident has been blocked off, law enforcement
will then investigate and determine how the accident happened. Police
may gather information from the parties involved in the crash, collect
witness accounts, and determine whether or not one of the drivers is under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Police report – The most important reason to contact the police after a car accident
is because of the report they must prepare. This document is considered
one of the most important pieces of evidence in a claim since it is an
objective report made by a third party. The police report includes an
accident and injury assessment, which often determines who is at fault,
as well as contact and insurance information from all parties involved.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver
in Fort Worth,
contact our skilled legal team at the
Law Office of James M. Stanley and request a
free consultation today.