Why You Need To File A Police Report After A Road Accident In NSW

When you file a police report after a road accident, you are protecting everyone involved in the accident and their entitlement to compensation. To highlight the importance of a police report after a road accident, we have put together a comprehensive guide for those seeking compensation.

After a road accident, some people are less inclined to involve the police than others. While they may think they are saving time and hassle, they may be hindering their chances of ever claiming compensation on any injuries they may suffer because of the accident. Whether you were at fault or not, it’s vital that you file a police report to avoid legal complications down the track.

What Is Involved In Filing A Police Report?

A police report is a written document produced by a police officer which provides a detailed overview of the series of events that ultimately led to the road accident, including all damages and injuries suffered by both parties. Depending on how the car accident happened, a police report can be as short as a one page summary or an in-depth document with many contributing factors.

Once the report has been made, the person reporting the accident will be provided with a police event number by the officer responsible. This event number is vital in the process of making a road accident compensation claim for injury and property damages.

What Is In A Police Report?

A police report will often contain the following information as well as any other relevant information:

• The time and date of the road accident
• The registration details of all parties involved
• Where the accident took place
• Details of any injuries sustained
• Details of any property damages
• Any witness statements from pedestrians or other drivers

Why Should I File A Police Report After A Road Accident?

It Is Necessary For Road Accident Claims

When making a compensation claim after a road accident, many insurance companies will require a completed police report in reference to a police event number. This report will serve as a vital piece of evidence for any compensation claims you are making and drastically increase your chances of success. Some insurers instantly reject claims if there is a lack of police documentation to serve as evidence.

The Report Is Unbiased

A police report is an official document that is written by an un-biased third party that was not directly involved in the accident, providing an objective series of events to be used as evidence. Usually the shock and emotion of being in a car accident can cloud people’s memories and cause conflicting views which may not be accurate. Therefore, having a trusted outside source like the police, you are getting as accurate of a representation of what happened as possible.

In Case You Suffer Injuries

If you suffer an injury due to the accident, a police report makes it easier for you to prove that those injuries were caused by the accident and no other reason. While it helps you prove that you were injured in the accident, it can also disprove other parties from claiming injury where it doesn’t exist.

In Case Of Property Damages

Even if your car seems to have no damages after the accident, it may suffer from damages later down the track because of the accident. A through police report will assist you in establishing a link between the accident and the damages that may occur and at the same time prevent other parties from making false claims about property damage against you.