While dealing with the challenges of a car accident, you may want to acquire a copy of the police report. The car insurance company that handles your claim will also want to look at this crucial document to learn more about what happened.
But the insurance adjuster is concerned with saving money, so they will look for any sign you were at fault—even partially. For this reason, it’s important to obtain a copy of the report yourself and discuss it with a seasoned personal injury attorney.
Why is legal representation essential when dealing with a car insurance claim? Insurance adjusters will search the report for any indication of your liability, no matter how minor.
If they find one, they can reduce your settlement based on your perceived percentage of fault. At the same time, they may undervalue your losses, potentially leaving you with insufficient funds to cover your medical care or auto repairs.
Your personal injury attorney will diligently evaluate the worth of your claim and ensure that the insurance carrier accurately assigns fault. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact Singh Ahluwalia Attorneys at Law for a complimentary consultation regarding your claim.
We’ll assist you in navigating the intricacies of the police report and understanding your options for seeking damages. If we take on your case, you won’t be charged any fees until we secure a favorable resolution.
Firebaugh Police Department Accident Reports Are Available by Fax or Mail
You can contact the Firebaugh PD with your request at:
Firebaugh Police Department
1325 “O” Street
Firebaugh, CA 93622
Or, you can fax your request to: (559) 659-2099.
What Should You Include in Your Accident Report Request?
A report request should include the following information to help the Records department respond to your request promptly:
- Please provide your name, address, phone number, and email address so that they can easily contact you with any questions.
- Include the incident or report number from your accident. The officer who responded to the accident should have provided you with this information.
- You’ll also need the date, time, and location of the accident. Try to be as specific as possible.
- Finally, it’s important to explain your involvement in the collision. Under California law, only those with a “right to know” or “need to know” can receive copies of an accident report.
Who Has a Right or Need to Know After a Car Accident?
Requests will usually be approved for the following parties:
- One of the drivers involved in the crash
- A passenger
- Any injured party (including vulnerable road users like pedestrians or bikers)
- The owner of damaged property (including parked vehicles, buildings, etc.)
- A witness
- The reporting party
- A parent or legal guardian of a minor involved in the collision
- A representative of one of the above parties (including attorneys and insurance companies)
Does the Report Show Who Caused the Accident?
Although a police report serves the purpose of collecting information about the parties involved and the sequence of events leading to the accident, it doesn’t automatically determine fault or liability. It simply includes a description and sketch of the accident, which can help you visualize the collision.
The officer will note each vehicle’s movements that led to the crash. Additionally, the report will highlight any “contributing factors” to the collision, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
Environmental factors such as poor weather or road obstructions are also noted.
Sometimes, clients have an issue with one or more of the report’s conclusions. If you believe something in the report is factually incorrect, we encourage you to discuss the matter with your attorney.
The responding officer fills out the report based on driver and witness statements, plus any evidence available at the scene. In some cases, conflicting statements or a lack of evidence can complicate the process, making it difficult to ascertain the truth.
If we can locate evidence to show something on the report was incorrect, we can challenge it.
Can Both Drivers Be at Fault for a Collision?
Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence laws recognize that multiple parties might bear responsibility for an accident or injury.
Anyone can make a mistake, and it’s possible two drivers made a mistake at the same time. In cases where both drivers play a role in a car collision, each is accountable for their proportionate share of the damages.
Nevertheless, both parties retain the right to seek compensation for the percentage of fault attributed to the other party. For instance, if you are deemed 40 percent at fault, you can anticipate recovering 60 percent of your damages from the other driver’s insurance.
However, there are still a few concerns to keep in mind. The insurance adjuster might estimate your level of fault a little higher than it actually is, which can translate to a reduced settlement.
For example, maybe you are 40 percent responsible, but the adjuster calculates your responsibility as 50 percent. They make these decisions based on the facts of the case. However, there is still room for subjectivity when deciding on an exact percentage, so not everyone receives a fair evaluation of their contributions.
It’s also tough to estimate your own level of fault, especially without industry knowledge. For this reason, the best way to protect yourself is to contact a car accident lawyer.
We’ll work to determine how much, if any, responsibility you have, and we’ll negotiate with the insurance carrier for a reasonable estimation of your share of fault.
Where Can You Get Assistance From a Firebaugh Car Accident Attorney?
The skilled Fresno car accident lawyers at Singh Ahluwalia Attorneys offers a no-cost assessment of your car accident situation. Our assistance includes navigating the complexities of your police report, precisely evaluating the value of your claim, and pursuing an advantageous resolution.
Entrusting us with your case means you can avoid the burden of dealing with insurance agents. We’ll handle negotiations with the insurer to secure the most favorable outcome, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
There are no upfront charges and no fees until we win or settle your case, so please contact us today at (559) 878-4958 to learn more.
