Law enforcement officers will likely respond to a Clayton County auto accident and will file an official police report. Victims should remember that a police report can be used as evidence in court or by the at-fault driver's insurance company. Conflicting or contradictory information can complicate a case.
Consulting a Clayton County attorney after an auto accident enhances a victim's ability to receive a reasonable settlement. If you have been injured in an automobile accident you should discuss your case with an accident attorney at Shane Smith Law.
Accident victims are only obligated to provide to law enforcement their name or identification, registration and proof of insurance. Additional information may be documented in the police report. Victims may tell the police that they plan on consulting an attorney and they prefer not to answer any additional questions. Answers to some police questions may complicate a victim's case, including:
What happened?
It is not uncommon for accident accounts to differ depending on the driver. A victim who believes the other driver is entirely at fault may want to have his version of the accident documented in the police report. However, a victim who did not notice certain details and tries to speculate may have these documented accounts used against them by the at-fault driver's insurance representatives.
Who caused the accident?
Answering this nebulous question can create later problems. If the victim feels that the other driver was entirely at fault then the victim can say this to the responding police officer. If the police issue a citation for a moving violation then this evidence can be used to prove accident responsibility. However, if the police do not issue a citation this can also be used to illustrate that they did not think fault could be determined. Admitting any fault—no matter how minor—to anyone besides an attorney can be detrimental to a legal action.
Did anyone witness the accident?
This is a standard investigatory question and is usually harmless to answer. Sometimes witnesses cannot remain at the scene until police arrive. Witnesses may give their contact information to a victim but may not want to speak with police. A victim is not obligated to provide this witness information to the police officers. Witness information should be retained if your Georgia auto accident attorney requests it.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in an auto accident, meet with a Clayton County auto accident lawyer. Call Shane Smith Law to schedule a free legal consultation.