Car Accident Lawyer Boynton Beach

Car accidents in Boynton Beach can leave victims with serious injuries and mounting expenses. The car accident lawyers at Donaldson & Weston are dedicated to helping you navigate your claim and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 561-786-3369 for a free consultation and take the first step toward rebuilding your life.

The Importance of a Police Report in Car Accident Claims

After a car accident, emotions often run high. People are focused on immediate safety, damage to their vehicle, and whether anyone is injured. In that moment, calling the police might not seem like a top priority—especially if the crash appears to be minor. But having an official police report can make a major difference in how a car accident claim is handled later on.

In Boynton Beach and throughout Florida, a police report is often one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. It can provide clear, unbiased documentation of what happened, which becomes especially helpful if there are disagreements about who was at fault. Whether you’re dealing with insurance companies or considering a lawsuit, the report can carry significant weight.

What a police report includes

A police report offers a written account of the crash as observed by the responding officer. It usually contains details like:

• The names and contact information of all parties involved

• Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers

• Statements from drivers and witnesses

• The officer’s observations at the scene (such as skid marks or vehicle positions)

• Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash

• Any traffic citations issued
  

In many cases, the officer may also note who they believe was at fault, based on their observations and the information gathered.

How it helps in insurance claims

When you file an insurance claim, adjusters will look for any documentation to support or dispute liability. A police report helps provide that foundation. Insurance companies often rely on it to determine who was responsible for the crash and how the accident occurred.

If the other driver’s insurance company tries to deny fault, a police report can back up your version of events. It offers more credibility than personal statements alone. Without it, you may find yourself in a back-and-forth battle with adjusters, struggling to prove your claim.

Strengthening a personal injury case

If your injuries are serious and you decide to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim, the police report becomes even more valuable. It can help your attorney identify potential witnesses, verify facts, and begin building a case based on official records rather than just personal accounts.

It also shows that you acted responsibly by involving law enforcement right away. That action alone can help establish credibility and show that you took the situation seriously from the start.

When a report may be required by law

Florida law requires drivers to contact law enforcement if an accident results in injuries, death, or property damage estimated at $500 or more. In many cases, drivers are unsure of the exact amount of damage or the extent of their injuries at the scene. What may feel like a minor ache could turn into a more serious issue in the days that follow.

By filing a police report right away, you create a paper trail that connects your injuries to the accident. That’s critical if you need medical treatment later or if your condition worsens. Without that link, the other side may argue that your injuries were unrelated or occurred at another time.

Protecting yourself from false claims

Sometimes, drivers change their story after leaving the scene. They may claim the accident happened differently or that you were at fault when they originally admitted otherwise. A police report can help protect you from these types of disputes.

Since it’s written shortly after the accident, the report captures statements and observations while everything is still fresh. That makes it harder for anyone to backtrack or distort what really happened. The officer’s notes can serve as a neutral account that may hold more weight than conflicting versions of the story.

Getting a copy of the report

In Boynton Beach, police reports can typically be obtained from the local police department or through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) online portal. There may be a short waiting period before it’s available, especially if the crash is still under investigation.

When requesting a copy, you’ll need to provide some basic information such as the date of the accident, location, and names of the people involved. It’s a good idea to request it as soon as possible so that you and your attorney can review the contents while the incident is still fresh in your mind.

What If the Report Contains Errors?

Police officers are human, and mistakes can happen. If you notice an error in the report—such as the wrong date, a misstatement, or missing information—you can request an amendment. However, officers typically won’t change their conclusions or fault determinations unless there is strong evidence supporting the change.

In situations where the report includes inaccuracies, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help present additional evidence to correct or challenge the record during the claims process.

Don’t rely on verbal agreements alone

At the scene of an accident, some drivers suggest skipping the police and “just handling it between ourselves.” While it might seem like a way to avoid hassle, this approach can leave you without the documentation you need to protect yourself. The other driver may provide false insurance details, deny responsibility later, or fail to follow through on promises to cover repairs or medical costs.

Having the police on the scene ensures there’s a record created by someone who is trained to assess traffic incidents objectively. That third-party report adds credibility and reduces the chances of misinformation or manipulation.

Police reports are not the only evidence—but they’re essential

A strong car accident claim usually includes more than just the police report. Photos of the scene, medical records, witness statements, and repair estimates all add to the case. Still, the report plays a key role in pulling everything together. It provides a starting point for your attorney to build on and can guide the investigation in the right direction.

Trust a Boynton Beach Car Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case

Car accidents in Boynton Beach can leave you facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. The car accident attorneys at Donaldson & Weston are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us at 561-786-3369 for a free consultation and let us provide the support and advocacy you deserve.