How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident?

Being in a car accident is always a traumatic experience for the victims, even if their physical injuries are not as severe as they can be. Irrespective of the accident’s severity, there are certain steps that must be taken on the victim’s part to boost their chances of getting the compensation they deserve later.

One of those steps is obtaining a police report soon after the car accident. Stay with us as we discuss the process while keeping the various factors in mind.

 

Ensure that the Accident is Reported As Soon As Possible

Every car accident will lead to a police report, provided that the accident was reported in the first place. It does not much matter who made the call, as long as a call to emergency services was made, there will be a police report about the accident.

Even if nobody called emergency services but the victim managed to reach a hospital, the hospital will call the police. If one or more people died in the accident, that too will inevitably have an associated police report. In rare cases, the victim may consider their injuries to be minor at the time and decide it is unnecessary to report the crash to the police.

If a car accident remains unreported, it should be remedied as quickly as possible because it will make it difficult for the victim to claim on their car insurance coverage. If you are not seriously injured, stay on the scene, wait for the officers, give them the bare facts of the case, and refrain from going into any details, allegations, or admittances at all. It can be beneficial later to give the police your perspective as objectively as possible.

Note that you are not required to answer any question about the accident without consulting your vehicle accident lawyer first. Get the police report number from the officers before leaving the scene. If they are unable to provide you with a report number before you leave, you can ask for their names and batch numbers, so that you can contact the department later and get a copy of that report.

 

Obtaining a Copy of the Police Report: The Process

Contact the insurance provider first to find out if they have already procured a copy of the police report. If they have, that can potentially help you avoid a lot of hassle. If that is not an option, then the party will need to contact the police directly to receive a copy of the auto accident report.

The victim or someone on their behalf can contact one of the officers to get an update on the police report and when it will be ready to collect. The process may take anything between a few days to a few weeks, but once it is ready, the party should be able to pick up a copy of the police report at any time after. There are three ways to get a car accident report directly from the police:

  1. Direct pickup
  2. Receiving a mailed report
  3. Receiving an online report

If the attending officers were able to provide a report number, the party should be able to get the same information and the police report from the accident location’s traffic division or website. In case the victim passed away, or if they were not in a state to talk with the responding officers at the time, the party will need to either visit the police station or the traffic subdivision nearest to the accident location.

If they don’t have specific information like the responding officers’ batch numbers, names, or the police report number, the party will need to provide other information to the station. Information such as the time, location, car model, owner’s name, plate number, etc. will help them in finding and then procuring a copy of the accident’s police report.

Can Your Car Accident Attorney Help You with Matters Regarding the Police Report?

Your car accident injury lawyer will guide you through every step of the process. They will also take steps to expedite the entire drafting and procurement process. Just in case you don’t have a road accident lawyer working with you on the case yet, contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys.

The lawyers at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help guide you through the claims process and obtain the police report for you.  Remember that a consultation with Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys is free, and if they take the case, Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys will also not charge any fees before winning the compensation that you deserve.

 

How Important is it for You to Obtain the Police Report?

This is a very important question as the importance of a police report is highly unpredictable. A police report usually provides many key facts relating to the incident.  A police report will help the parties establish who was at fault for the crash.  A word of caution though, a police report is not always accurate.  Many times a police report will contain errors that may shed new light on who was at fault for a crash.  If you were found at fault on a police report you may still have a case. Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys to analyze the police report in your case if you every question the accuracy of the police report.

In most cases, the prosecuting and defending automobile accident lawyers play big roles in deciding whether the police report will be admitted as evidence by the court or not. It may all depend on which lawyer can argue their case for or against the police report’s admissibility the best.  Even if the police report does not come before the jury, it is still an important piece of data in your case.  Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys to obtain the police report from you case.

Texting and Driving Can Lead to Fatal Crashes

Texting while driving is a deadly, dangerous habit that has sadly become all too common on the roads. Over three thousand people died on the road because of distracted driving in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And around ten percent of those deaths were the result of somebody deciding to send a text while behind the wheel.

It’s a sobering statistic, and it’s clear that there’s a real need to address the problem. Texting might be the way that we’ve all gotten used to keeping in touch with one another but combine it with overseeing a vehicle and you have a very serious, deadly weapon that can lead to all sorts of distressing, traumatic situations.

In this post, we’ll look further into the dangers of texting while driving, the laws in place to prevent it, and what we can do to reduce it and prevent the accidents that it causes.

 

The Dangers of Texting and Driving

Sending or reading a text message while driving can seriously impair a driver’s ability to react to hazards on the road. While you are texting, you are not giving your full attention to the vehicle and the road ahead of you. When texting, the driver must divide their attention between the road and their phone, which can make it difficult for the driver to quickly react to any hazards that they encounter on the road such as lane changes, drivers in front of them suddenly stopping, or pedestrians. A driver who is texting has slower reaction times, which can make avoiding accidents harder.

Texting while driving can significantly increase the risks of a collision. It can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road for extended periods, leaving them unaware of what is going on around them. Texting while driving can also impair your ability to stay in control of the vehicle, leading to drifting out of lanes that can be seriously dangerous.

Plus, texting will divert the driver’s attention from their speed, which could lead to driving at an excessive speed, or slowing down to a dangerous speed, creating a hazard on the road.

 

Laws Against Texting and Driving

There are various laws, and penalties, for texting and driving that vary depending on the state and jurisdiction. Some states passed laws that prohibit all drivers from texting and driving, while others only prohibit certain groups of drivers, such as teenagers, from using a smartphone while driving. There are various penalties for texting while driving, which could include fines and jail time.

A survey in 2019 by the NHTSA showed that Americans continue to use their electronic devices while behind the wheel, regardless of the laws and warnings that it can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death. According to Ray RaHood, the U.S. Transportation Secretary at the time, there is no way to text and drive safely.

In 2012, there were very different results from another NHTSA national survey, on Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors. 74% of drivers supported a ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving, while a huge 94% of respondents supported a ban on texting while driving. They believed that drivers committing these offenses should be fined no less than $200.

 

Texting and Driving Laws in the States We Cover

The states we cover and their laws on texting while driving are as follows:

California: Drivers are not permitted to use a cell phone for calling or reading and writing text messages while driving on a public road. However, drivers are permitted to use cell phones for calling and texting if they do so through a handsfree system. All drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone when driving, even when a handsfree system is used.

Nevada: Drivers of all ages are prohibited from texting, accessing the internet, and using hand-held devices for any other reason while driving. There are some exceptions – hands-free devices are permitted, and drivers are also permitted to touch their phones to ‘activate, deactivate, or initiate a feature or function’. It’s also legally permitted to use a phone while driving if reporting a hazard, crime, or emergency.

Texas: In Texas, it’s illegal for drivers to use cell phones, including for texting, when driving and the car is moving. All uses of handheld devices are banned when driving through a school zone, and drivers with a learner’s permit are not permitted to use a cell phone in any manner while behind the wheel during their first six months of driving. Drivers who are under the age of 18 are not permitted to use any kind of handheld device while driving.

 

Preventing Texting While Driving Through Educating Drivers

An accident caused by texting while driving is often one of those things where you might think ‘it will never happen to me’. However, the dangers of using your phone to send a message while behind the wheel can happen to any driver, no matter how long you have been driving for or how good you are as a driver.

Drivers can use several strategies to avoid the temptation to text and drive, including switching off or silencing the device while driving. If you must respond to a text message while driving, it’s also a good idea to designate a passenger to respond on your behalf. Keeping your phone out of reach while driving, if you can, can also help reduce the temptation to use it. If you use your phone for GPS directions, it can be worth checking your phone’s system for driving mode, which will prevent you from getting distracting notifications or calls coming through when using your phone to follow a route.

Educational programs and campaigns can also be effective when it comes to raising awareness on the dangers of texting and drivers. For example, AT&T’s ‘It Can Wait’ campaign encourages people to promise not to text and drive. Many schools also run programs to educate teens on the dangers of texting while operating a car before they get behind the wheel.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident through somebody’s driving and texting, we know how frustrating and distressing this situation can be. At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, our lawyers are well-versed in the laws and have won many cases for clients affected by a driver who was texting behind the wheel. Call us today at 877-557-4221 to discuss how we can help you.

Distracted Driving: Actions and Consequences

Distracted driving is a serious problem affecting millions of people on the road each year. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from the task at hand: driving a vehicle. There are various types of distracted driving, including visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.

Being distracted while driving can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over three thousand deaths caused by distracted driving in 2020.

The purpose of this guide is to raise awareness about distracted driving, its dangers, and its potential consequences. We’ll investigate the different types of distractions that may become a problem for drivers, the impact they can have, and the steps that you can take to prevent them.

 

Types of Distractions

When driving, there are lots of things that could potentially become a distraction. These are:

Visual Distractions

Visual distractions refer to any kind of distraction that takes the driver’s eyes off the road; for example, looking at a phone, using a GPS system, or using any other kind of electronic device while driving. While modern cars are designed with GPS systems that you can use without the need to take your eyes off the road, for example, by giving it voice commands, smartphones and other electronic devices don’t always have these features. These can be very dangerous for drivers, which is why it’s against the law to drive and use your phone for things like texting or browsing social media. Trying to read a map or program a GPS system while driving can also be dangerous, which is why it’s important to have your route planned and GPS set up before you set off.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions are any kind of distraction that takes the driver’s hands off the wheel. Some examples of this could be eating, adjusting the radio, or smoking while driving. Being distracted by these kinds of tasks can make it harder for a driver to maintain control of the car and can be a risk factor for accidents.

Cognitive Distractions

These refer to any type of distraction that takes the driver’s mind off the task at hand. This could involve thinking about personal problems, daydreaming, or being too tired to focus on driving. Cognitive distractions make it harder for a driver to quickly react to unexpected situations, which can increase the risk of accidents on the road.

It’s crucial to note that these distractions often don’t happen one at a time – and a combination of two or more of them can make driving especially dangerous. For example, a driver may be visually distracted by their GPS system, manually distracted trying to eat while driving, and cognitively distracted by worrying about a personal problem. In this kind of situation, the risk of being involved in an accident increases significantly.

 

Consequences of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can have serious consequences. These are:

Personal Consequences

Distracted driving can lead to a range of serious personal consequences, including serious injury or death, or being arrested for driving dangerously. Drivers who are distracted by something else while they are behind the wheel are more likely to be involved in accidents that can result in serious injuries or even death for the driver, passengers, and other people on the road.

Drivers who cause accidents due to driving while distracted can also face legal consequences such as fines and imprisonment. They may end up with a criminal record.

Financial Consequences

Driving while distracted can also have serious financial consequences for drivers. When an accident is caused, it can lead to many serious expenses such as vehicle repairs, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums. Plus, a driving distracted accident can have a range of knock-on effects, such as losing your job due to an arrest or criminal record. It may lead to other financial hardships, such as being unable to continue working due to no longer having a usable vehicle.

Social Consequences

The social consequences of driving while distracted can also be severe. This is especially true if an accident due to distracted driving occurs while passengers are in the car. People who cause road accidents because of driving while distracted may ruin their relationships with friends and family. Along with this, they may be required to perform community service or take part in other rehabilitation processes.

It’s important to note that the consequences of distracted driving can go far, affecting not only the driver, but also their family and friends. The impact of a distracted driving accident can be felt for years, leading to various hardships and problems.

 

Preventing and Solving the Issue of Distracted Driving

Laws and regulations are in place to prevent distracted driving and discourage drivers from taking part in anything that may distract them while they are on the road. Many states have laws against texting or using a smartphone while driving, which aim to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road and ensure that it is as safe as possible. Some states have made it mandatory to use hands-free kits for making calls while driving.

In addition to this, education and awareness campaigns are in place to prevent distracted driving. Driver’s education classes, educating school students, and public awareness campaigns are another way to prevent distracted driving by educating drivers about what distracted driving is, how to avoid it, and on the importance of staying focused when behind the wheel.

At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we understand how distressing it can be to be involved in an accident with a distracted driver. If a distracted driver has collided with you on the road, it can lead to a far-reaching range of effects including vehicle damage, physical injury, emotional trauma and financial trouble. Ultimately, you deserve to be compensated for what you have been through.

The aftermath of being hit by a distracted driver can be tough. We’re here to help. Get in touch today to discuss your case and what we can do to help ensure you are compensated. Call us at 877-557-4221.

6 Things to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents are one of the most common types of road incidents to occur around the country. Every year, thousands of people get injured or die from these events, and when they do happen, they can be difficult to navigate without the right knowledge and support. So, if you ever find yourself a victim of a vehicle collision, here are six essential steps to take in the aftermath.

 

Do an Injury Assessment

There is a good chance that while the accident is happening, your brain will not keep up. This is a protective response from the brain and is entirely normal. When the dust settles and things are standing still, you might start to feel the impact. This is when you need to assess your injuries and damage to figure out if you can move and whether you need medical attention.

Attend to yourself first because if you are seriously injured, it is vital to take a pause and look after your body. Then you can focus on any passengers that might be on board. Children and the elderly are a priority in this situation and if you are able to help them, this is your first job. If the passengers are stuck or seriously hurt, then make a judgment call on whether it is safe for them to remain in the vehicle until the ambulance support arrives at the scene.

 

Move Away to a Safer Spot

After you have this information, you can make move your car to a safer spot. There is a high risk to your body and vehicle if you stay put so try to move away from active traffic if it is safe to do so. There is no real way to tell what harm has been caused to the vehicle until it has had a professional assessment, so don’t try to fix anything. Prioritize getting to safety for you and all of your passengers too, then you can have a clearer head to deal with the next stage.

 

Phone 911 for Assistance

Here is when you call 911. 911 is there to connect you with the nearest emergency services. You should ask for police and an ambulance to attend the collision scene. These two units are professionally trained for this exact scenario and will be able to direct you and anyone else involved as to what needs to happen.

 

What the Police Will Do

The police attend to take details of the accident from you and anyone that was involved. They will also make further investigations into the scene to find out what could have happened and why it took place. There is a chance you will be breathalyzed, which is a device used to detect alcohol in the blood as drunk driving is a crime and often needs to be ruled out.

 

What the Ambulance Team Will Do

The ambulance crew will naturally assist with any injuries and make a call on whether or not further intervention in a hospital setting is needed. It is normal for your body and mind to be in shock as this event can be traumatic. Make sure the medics team is directed to the person most in need of assistance first so they can receive support and minimize the damage.

 

Exchange Information

Now you have had intervention from emergency services, you can exchange information if appropriate. Try not to leave the scene without acquiring the details of the opposing vehicle because this will be essential information for your insurance claim and any other future events that come from this accident. You will need to:

  1. Take their name, and plate details and ask for the insurance company they deal with.
  2. Take pictures of the crash if you’re in a position to. Photograph your vehicle and the others involved too.
  3. Take pictures of your injuries.
  4. Make an account of what you think happened from your perspective.
  5. Ask the other people involved to do exactly the same thing and give them your insurance details and everything else that is needed as well.
  6. Get the contact information for any witness. Your lawyer will want this to prove that you were not at fault for the crash.

 

Talk to Your Insurance

As soon as possible after the accident, you should call your insurance company to report your claim. Remember that you are only required to report your claim. You do not have to undergo any recorded statements regarding how the crash occurred or the nature and extent of your injuries. You should try to avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company. Making your claim should be straightforward, but it may take a while to process when it comes to the administrative side of things. That is why it is important to take action as soon as you feel able to in order to avoid further delays. If your vehicle is completely ruined, and you pay for a replacement vehicle as a part of your policy, this can be arranged too so you are not without transport for a delayed period.

 

Seek Legal Representation

There is a lot more to legal representation post accident than just making a financial claim. A good law firm will help in finding great medical support for any injuries you might have suffered. This will help your recovery process and make you feel cared for in a bigger circle. They can also support you with your medical bills and sorting through all the associated administration that comes along with that. Aside from this, an experienced lawyer will be able to secure the optimum compensation model and ensure that if you are unable to work because of the accident, you get what you need to thrive. This might involve pursuing the opposing party responsible for the accident or clearing your name if an accusation is brought against you.

Car accidents are scary regardless of the circumstances. It is good to know what to do if you are involved in one, and how to navigate life afterward. If you suffer injuries that impede your ability to socialize and work, you may be able to find financial support to help you move in a more positive direction. When the accident is not your fault, and your vehicle is totaled, it can be a frustrating situation for all involved.

Let our award-winning attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys help you. Call us at 877-557-4221 today!