Courtesy of Unsplash
After a crash on the roads of San Diego, getting a clearance from the cops may seem relieving. The car crash may have occurred at places like El Cajon Boulevard or near I-805. If the damages are not severe and the officer covering the incident believes you are not at fault, how would you feel? As the cops file the report while giving you a clean chit, you think that's the end of the story, right? The reality can be very different, though.
Even if you obtain clearance from the police, it does not mean the insurer will think likewise. In many such cases, accident victims cannot receive reimbursement for their claim without a legal contest. Relying solely on a police report may lead to legal and financial setbacks later. That is why, after such a mishap, you should hire a competent car accident lawyer.
What does a police report mean?
Officers from the SDPD and the CHP cover most San Diego car crash events. They arrive at the scene, gather information, and file a traffic collision report. Such cop reports typically include:
-Driver statements
-Basic facts of the crash (location, time, vehicles)
-Preliminary fault assignment
-Witness comments (if any)
However, you must remember that police reports are not legal determinations of fault. Many officers make judgment calls based on what they see and hear at the spot, at that time. Not all of them will delve deeper by checking dashcam footage, traffic signals and additional evidence.
Your insurer may not agree with the police report
You may, like many San Diego car crash victims, feel that if the officer says you're not at fault, the insurance company will agree! Sadly, insurance adjusters conduct their investigations and look for measures to reduce the payout. They may:
-Argue that the property damage doesn't match your version of the mishap
-Question the timing or nature of your injuries
-Use the comparative negligence law of California to reduce the payment
To avoid such developments, you must hire a capable car accident attorney. You can think of contacting HHJ Trial Attorneys – Car Accident Experts.
A competent lawyer can capture what police reports don't
Police officers typically spend a limited time at accident scenes. If the injury is not serious or the car is not much damaged, they may not interview the witnesses in detail. They may miss out on external surveillance footage as well. A veteran car accident lawyer knows how to fill in these gaps. They know various ways to collect crucial evidence before it's lost.
Insurance firms may try to cut corners
Typically, insurance companies try to cut corners, and they may use your trust in the police report. In many such cases, they offer fast but low compensation. Without legal guidance, you may miss out on proper reimbursement and face additional delays.
Wrap up
A capable vehicle accident lawyer helps reinforce your position. They gather supplementary evidence, communicate with multiple insurers as required, and complete the necessary documentation. In the complex landscape of car accidents in San Diego, a favorable police report may fall short. The assistance of a trusted attorney bolsters your case prospects in several ways.