Law enforcement officers play an important role in the criminal justice system, but they also have a significant role in some kinds of civil personal injury cases. In this PR article, personal injury attorneys Glenn and Robin Herman explain the role of law enforcement officers in car accident personal injury lawsuits.
Police Report
Law enforcement officers are usually first responders to the scene of a car accident. The police report filed based on details and witness accounts at the scene is often crucial to the outcome of insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. Law enforcement officers may investigate a crash scene and document physical evidence such as tire marks, broken car parts, skid marks, and the effects of the impact on the vehicles involved that can be used to show fault. They will also collect accident descriptions from drivers and passengers involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses at the scene.
Citations
In some cases where it is clear that one or more drivers have broken traffic laws, law enforcement officers may issue a citation, or, less frequently, make an arrest at the scene. Citations can be used as evidence in court to show fault.
Testimony in Court
Law enforcement officers may be able to testify on behalf of the injured party in civil court and share the details of the crash as understood from physical evidence and witness testimony. Police officers and other first responders are usually highly regarded by judges and juries as to the factual circumstances of a crash, so their testimony carries significant weight in the outcome of the case.
Next Steps in a Car Accident Personal Injury Case
When an injured person is involved in a car accident, it’s important that they contact the police and cooperate with any investigations conducted by law enforcement officers. Even if the injured party is partially at fault for the accident, evidence provided by law enforcement officers can help show that the other driver's negligence resulted in their injuries. Injured parties should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible for help navigating insurance claims and civil lawsuits.
About Manhattan Car Accident Attorneys Glenn & Robin Herman
Our Manhattan car accident attorneys take the time to learn every aspect of your case during our initial meeting in order to properly evaluate the full extent of the damages you or a loved one have suffered. We have been representing seriously injured New Yorkers for over 30 years. Born, raised, and living in the City, we know that when you have been injured in this town, you need an attorney to protect your rights and explain the law to you in a way you can understand.
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We represent clients in all five boroughs of New York (NY): Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, along with Suffolk County & Nassau County on Long Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, and throughout the entire state of New York.
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