What Is the Police Officer’s Role in a Car Accident Case in VA?

One of the first phone calls you should make after a car accident is to law enforcement. Police officers can play a vital role on the scene of the crash and in the days and weeks to come. Not only are they responsible for traffic management, but they can also assist with injuries and talk to eyewitnesses on the scene. They may also be instrumental in collecting valuable information and evidence at the scene, especially if you are too injured to document the scene yourself.

Calling the police after a Virginia car accident is a crucial step in protecting your health and your rights. At Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, we understand how vital law enforcement can be in saving lives and strengthening the validity of a victim’s car accident claim.

If you are involved in a severe car crash, your first call should be to local law enforcement, and your second call should be to an experienced Virginia car accident attorney. The team at Lichtenstein Law Group PLC is ready to work with the police to secure evidence crucial for building a successful compensation claim.

For more information on how we may be able to help you seek the money you deserve, contact us today for a free consultation.

What Does A Virginia Police Officer Do On the Scene of An Accident?

Contacting the police isn’t just a good idea. It is the law in many circumstances. For example, Virginia law requires drivers to notify law enforcement when a person is injured or killed in an accident. Failing to contact the police may result in criminal liability with serious consequences depending on the circumstances of the accident. Following any crash, however, it’s a good idea to call the police.

Why is calling law enforcement so important? Crash scenes can be chaotic. Injured individuals may be trapped in vehicles, debris can be strewn across the roadway, and curious onlookers can become distracted and cause secondary accidents.

Law enforcement officials can help control the accident scene. They have the authority to control the flow of traffic and the equipment necessary to secure the scene so others don’t get injured. They also may be the first responders on the scene offering medical assistance to those in critical need until an ambulance can arrive.

While on the scene, officers may also make critical observations regarding what may have caused the accident. They will note the time and location of the incident and may take notes about the weather and road conditions. They will also document who was involved in the car crash, the damage each vehicle sustained and may take photos or notes about the debris field, skid marks, and other physical evidence.

An officer may also be able to talk to witnesses on the scene and collect their eyewitness statements. This information can be vital to establishing liability for the crash and mounting a claim against the at-fault driver.

A Virginia Police Officer May Issue Traffic Citations at The Scene of an Accident

Most crashes are the result of someone’s negligent or illegal behavior. Law enforcement officers on the scene may determine that a driver violated Virginia traffic laws by running a red light, speeding, driving while intoxicated, or engaging in other unlawful behavior. If an officer determines that a driver broke the law, they can issue a citation.

Citations are important because they may help to establish liability for an accident. When a citation is issued, it may provide evidence that the other driver was reckless or negligent and that their behavior caused the accident. However, civil liability for a crash is a separate matter from any traffic violations. The police do not have the final say on who was at fault for purposes of compensation in a civil lawsuit.

A Virginia Police Officer Fills Out a Crash Report After An Accident

After an accident, law enforcement officials will fill out a crash report. A crash report is an officer’s written account of the crash. The report typically includes information about the accident as observed by the officer on the scene.

The report may include the names of the individuals involved, the date of the crash, the location of the crash, and the types of vehicles involved. Witness statements and a recap of the victim’s observed injuries may also be included in the final report.

While a police report is not by any means the only evidence that’s collected in a crash investigation, it can provide crucial information that helps shape an accident claim.

A Virginia Police Officer Appears In Court To Provide Testimony If Necessary

Not all compensation claims will end in a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. There may be situations where a lawsuit offers a victim the best chance possible at recovering compensation for their injuries and expenses. In this situation, an officer from the accident scene may be a valuable witness in court.

A law enforcement official can give the court a better understanding of the circumstances of the accident. Their testimony can be beneficial to a victim when combined with other evidence supporting their case.

Our Virginia Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience. Getting in touch with law enforcement right away could provide numerous benefits to car crash victims. You can get immediate medical attention while also protecting others who may happen upon the crash scene. The perspective of local law enforcement may also help you bolster your claim for compensation.

If you are involved in a significant car accident, call the police, then call us, the legal team at Lichtenstein Law Group PLC. We can work with law enforcement to gather information vital to your claim. We can also conduct our own investigation and leverage our resources to help strengthen your claim so you can aggressively pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, emotional trauma, and more.

Contact our team today and set up a free initial consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable Virginia car accident attorney. We are prepared to fight for you.