The Role of a Police Report in Washington Injury Claims
After any kind of accident caused by someone else’s negligence – whether it’s a car crash, a slip on someone’s property, a dog bite, or something else – a police report often holds important information that can help you get the compensation and justice you’re entitled to. Many people don’t realize that the officer’s notations, statements from everyone involved, and even small details in that report can be critical when sorting out an injury case. Understanding how a police report is used, what it can help prove, and its possible limits can make the claims process much easier for you.
Police report vs. collision report in Washington
One of the first things to be aware of is that a police report is different from a collision report – it’s easy to get these two mixed up, as sometimes people use the terms interchangeably.
Police report
A police report is created by an investigating agency, like city police or the county sheriff, when they respond to an accident. This can be an accident of any kind – it doesn’t have to be a motor vehicle accident. This report usually includes the officer’s narrative, a diagram of the scene, information about any citations given, and written statements from witnesses or people involved. If you need a copy, you’ll have to request it from the law enforcement agency through either a public information request or a public disclosure request.
Collision report
On the other hand, a collision report is a specific, standardized form called the Motor Vehicle Collision Report in Washington. This is specifically for motor vehicle crashes. If an officer doesn’t arrive on the scene to investigate, drivers are required to submit this report within 4 days if the accident involved caused injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more.
(1) Unless a report is to be made by a law enforcement officer under subsection (3) of this section, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to the property of any one person to an apparent extent equal to or greater than the minimum amount established by rule adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol in accordance with subsection (5) of this section, shall, within four days after such accident, make a written report of such accident to the chief of police of the city or town if such accident occurred within an incorporated city or town or the county sheriff or state patrol if such accident occurred outside incorporated cities and towns. Nothing in this subsection prohibits accident reports from being filed by drivers where damage to property is less than the minimum amount or where a law enforcement officer has submitted a report.
This must be submitted to the Washington State Patrol and can then be accessed online using their WRECR portal.
Why police reports are so important for injury claims
After an accident, calling the police is one of the most important steps you can take. It can help you recover the compensation you truly deserve for an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Here’s why they’re so important:
Addresses the fault right away
An officer’s narrative often gives a first impression about who caused the accident, whether through a citation, noted errors, or even conclusions about distracted or reckless behavior. Insurance adjusters almost always review this report first to get an idea of what happened. This doesn’t mean they don’t look at other evidence, but this is usually considered an objective and authoritative initial overview of the incident. When the police report corroborates your version of events, this is incredibly helpful for your claim.
Locks in witness statements and initial evidence
Getting statements from witnesses who saw the accident can secure these accounts before memories start to fade or get confused. When a witness can back up your side of what happened, it is also incredibly helpful. The officer will also usually include information about the weather and any other relevant conditions that may have played a part in the accident, as well as the injuries they saw on the involved parties.
Contains diagrams
Police reports almost always include a hand-drawn diagram and crucial descriptions showing how the accident played out, especially when it’s for a car accident. This includes lanes, traffic signals, debris, vehicle locations, and possible skid marks. This can help explain to insurance companies and defense lawyers what happened and why you are entitled to compensation.
Strengthens your position in negotiations
When the police report backs up what you say happened, it brings credibility to your story and helps your lawyer when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company. When the report clearly supports your version of events and ties the other person’s actions to your injuries, it becomes much harder for the insurer to deny responsibility or make an unreasonably low offer.
No matter how minor an accident might seem, it’s important not to overlook the importance of a police report.
How a personal injury lawyer helps after an accident
After an accident, working with a personal injury lawyer can make the claims process much less stressful and ensure you’re protected as much as possible. Lawyers understand how the paperwork, evidence, and insurance negotiations all fit together, and know what it takes to get you what you deserve. Here’s why it’s so important to work with a personal injury attorney:
Obtaining important evidence
A lawyer will collect every piece of documentation available for your case: police and collision reports, medical records, body-cam footage, 911 calls, surveillance footage, and anything else that can help prove your case. They know how to use Washington’s Public Records Act (PRA) requests and the WRECR system to get some of this evidence, and they can communicate directly with law enforcement if necessary.
Correcting errors before they harm your claim
Sometimes important details are left out, or reports contain inaccuracies that undercut your claim. A knowledgeable attorney will submit well-written supplements and organize witness statements to clarify confusing facts to try to get the police report corrected if necessary. However, you typically cannot edit the officer’s narrative.
Dealing with insurance companies the right way
Letting your lawyer take over all insurer communications increases your chances of getting fair treatment. Attorneys protect you from making comments that the insurance company could use against you to try to minimize or deny your claim.
Ultimately, working with a lawyer is the best way to get everything you deserve.
If you were injured in an accident and it wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. While money won’t solve everything, it’s only fair that you shouldn’t be financially burdened for someone else’s poor decisions. Reach out to Smith McBroom Injury and Accident Lawyers and let our experienced team handle the complicated legal aspects of your claim while you focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced accident lawyers.