When you become in a car accident, your initial instinct may be to inform your family and loved ones. While this is important to do, it is equally important to contact your local law enforcement. Read on to discover why a police officer should be at the scene of your accident and how a seasoned Panama City car accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can also come to your aid.

Why is it important to have a police officer present at the scene of my car accident?

First of all, it is necessary to call a police officer to the scene of your car accident so that they may conduct an official accident report. In this report, they may collect both your account and the other driver’s account on the events that led up to your collision. They may even jot down the make and model of cars, the date/time/location of the collision, the road conditions, the weather conditions, etc. As you can see, all of this information may be pivotal to proving the negligence of the other driver in your personal injury claim.

In addition, a police officer may approach the other driver to collect their contact information if you feel unsafe doing so by yourself. This is if you are in a situation where the other driver is acting rageful for being involved in an accident or if they are acting intoxicated. And if you suspect that the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a police officer may conduct breathalyzer tests and other field sobriety tests. These test results may also contribute to your claim.

Lastly, by calling a police officer, you are allowing them to call an ambulance on your behalf. With this, paramedics and EMTs may tend to you, along with transporting you to the emergency room for additional care. The medical documents and bills that directly result from this call may further support your argument for compensation.

What else is important to do at the scene of my car accident?

A police officer may work hard to ensure you are taken care of after your car accident. But you must still act independently and take the following initiatives:

  • Take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and the scene.
  • Talk to present witnesses and request that they make statements to the police officer.
  • Talk to present property owners and request that they share a copy of surveillance camera footage that captured your accident.
  • Talk with your primary physician and go to appointments and treatments as directed.

One of the competent Panama City auto accident attorneys at Manuel & Thompson, PA is here whenever you are ready to initiate your personal injury claim. Simply call our firm at your earliest possible convenience.