You may be confident that your car accident was due to no fault of your own. However, your world alone may not stand up in court. This is because, as a plaintiff in a personal injury case, you hold the responsibility of satisfying a burden of proof. This is where the help of a police officer comes into play. Continue reading to learn why you should call the police after your accident and how an experienced St. Mary’s County car accident lawyer at Dorsey Law Firm can help you throughout your case proceedings.
Why is it helpful to call the police after my car accident?
Understandably so, you may feel extremely vulnerable in the aftermath of your car accident. So, the presence of a law enforcement officer may make you feel more protected and secure. But there are far more significant reasons why it may be helpful to call for the police to show up at the scene of your car accident. Such reasons are as follows:
- A law enforcement officer may conduct an official accident report that accounts for the circumstances surrounding your car accident:
- The type and amount of damage that your car incurred as a result of your accident.
- The make and model of your car and the other driver’s car.
- The presence of any hazardous road conditions that may have played a part in your accident.
- The existence of any poor inclement weather that may have had a hand in your accident.
- A law enforcement officer may dispatch an ambulance to the scene of your car accident on your behalf.
- A law enforcement officer may approach the other driver when you find it unsafe to do so yourself, and perhaps even record their admittance of guilt.
- A law enforcement officer may approach the other driver if you believe they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and perhaps even conduct a breathalyzer test and other field sobriety tests.
What dates should I keep in mind?
Luckily, the accident report will cover the date and time in which your car crash occurred. And if you seek medical attention immediately after your accident as directed, your medical documents and bills may reflect this date and time too.
But there is another important date that you must keep in mind: the statute of limitations. In the state of Maryland, this deadline is generally three years from the date of your accident. Otherwise, the accident report and every other piece of proof you collect may mean nothing. This is because you may be permanently barred from pursuing legal action.
That said, a skilled St. Mary’s County auto accident lawyer at Dorsey Law Firm is here whenever you are ready to initiate your personal injury claim.
