{"id":353062,"date":"2019-10-14T16:11:09","date_gmt":"2019-10-14T21:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/do-you-need-a-police-report-to-prove-fault-in-a-car-accident.html"},"modified":"2025-09-19T16:43:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T21:43:41","slug":"do-you-need-a-police-report-to-prove-fault-in-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/do-you-need-a-police-report-to-prove-fault-in-a-car-accident.html","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Police Report To Prove Fault in a Car Accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do You Need a Police Report To Prove Fault in a Car Accident?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A police report<\/span> is crucial to proving fault in a car accident<\/span>, as it provides an unbiased account by law enforcement<\/span> detailing the scene, noting vehicle damage<\/span>, and taking witness statements<\/span>. This may play a big part making your claim more successful.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever been in a motor vehicle<\/span> accident<\/a>, you know how frustrating it can be. Even though you\u2019ll be late for work, you have to wait for the police to arrive on the scene. Then you have to call to have your car towed. A car crash<\/span>, even a minor accident<\/span>, can derail your entire day.<\/p>\n

This may be why many drivers are tempted not to call the police and just exchange insurance information<\/span> with the other driver. The problem with this is that you\u2019ll need a copy of the police report<\/span><\/a> to prove the other driver was at fault.<\/p>\n

This article explains why a police accident report<\/span> is vital to your car accident<\/span> claim<\/span><\/a>. It also shows how your car accident<\/span> lawyer<\/span> will use the report to prove fault in your lawsuit.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve recently been in an auto accident<\/span>, consider contacting a local car accident<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> if you\u2019re encountering any difficulties. They\u2019ll review your case and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n

Call 911 or Law Enforcement<\/span> Immediately After Your Car Crash<\/span><\/h2>\n

When a person is involved in a serious car accident<\/span><\/a>, it goes without saying that 911 should be called immediately for assistance. In other instances, motorists may think it\u2019s better to handle things between themselves without involving law enforcement<\/span> when the impact is minor.<\/p>\n

Even if your injuries are minor, significant out-of-pocket expenses are a possibility. So too is property damage<\/span><\/a>, which can be extensive. The only way to recoup your losses is to file a claim with the insurance company<\/span> and hope they\u2019ll pay it.<\/p>\n

If the insurance company<\/span> approves your car <\/span>insurance claim<\/span><\/a>, you should receive your insurance check within a couple of weeks. If the insurance adjuster<\/span> denies your claim, you must sue the at-fault driver.<\/p>\n

In any lawsuit, including a car accident<\/span> lawsuit<\/a>, you\u2019ll have to prove fault. The most critical piece of evidence you\u2019ll need to do this is the police report<\/span>. You won’t have this report if you don\u2019t call 911 or summon the police to the accident scene<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Proving Fault Using a Police Report<\/span><\/h2>\n

Police reports<\/span><\/a> can provide helpful evidence of fault in a motor vehicle<\/span> accident. They comprise the law enforcement<\/span> officer\u2019s official account of what they observed after they arrived at the scene of the accident. The courts trust this evidence because the police officer<\/span> is an unbiased party and has no reason to lie or exaggerate about the information supplied by the involved drivers.<\/p>\n

When the police arrive at the accident scene<\/span><\/a>, they will thoroughly investigate the car crash<\/span> and include their findings in their formal police report<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Police reports<\/span> typically include the following information:<\/p>\n