The Role of Police Reports in Florida Car Accident Claims – FAQs

Being involved in a car accident can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. You may feel confused, scared, or even unsure about what to do next. If you find yourself in this situation, rest assured that you do not have to navigate the complex process of filing a car accident claim on your own. At our firm, we understand the emotional and practical challenges you may be facing right now, and we are here to offer guidance and support during this difficult time.

When dealing with car accident claims in Florida, one of the most important documents that can help your case is the police report. In this blog, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding police reports and their role in Florida car accident claims. Understanding this document and how it can impact your case is key to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

What is a Police Report and Why is it Important for My Case?

A police report is a document written by law enforcement officers following a car accident. It includes details about the crash, such as the date, time, location, and the parties involved. The report may also include statements from the drivers, witnesses, and officers about what happened during the accident. In Florida, a police report can be a crucial piece of evidence in your car accident claim.

The police report helps establish the facts of the accident, such as who was at fault, what caused the crash, and the extent of the damages. In many cases, insurance companies and attorneys use police reports to support or challenge claims made by either party. Having a police report can significantly strengthen your case by providing an official record of the incident.

Can I Obtain a Copy of the Police Report?

Yes, you can obtain a copy of the police report for your car accident. In Florida, police reports are generally available to the public, but there are certain steps you need to follow to get a copy. Typically, the report can be obtained from the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. You may be required to fill out a request form and pay a small fee for the report.

It is important to remember that the police report may not be available immediately after the accident. It often takes several days for officers to complete the report and file it with the appropriate department. Once the report is available, you can usually request it online or by visiting the police station in person.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

Can the Police Report Be Used as Evidence in My Case?

Yes, the police report can be used as evidence in your car accident case. However, it is important to note that the police report is not always a final determination of fault in the accident. While it provides valuable information about the crash, the report is just one piece of the puzzle. In some cases, the insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident may challenge the accuracy or conclusions made in the report.

For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you interpret the police report and gather additional evidence to support your case. The report can be used in conjunction with other documents, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony, to build a strong case for compensation.

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Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

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Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

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I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

What Happens if the Police Report is Incorrect?

If the police report contains incorrect information, it can be detrimental to your case. This may include errors such as incorrect details about the parties involved, inaccurate descriptions of the accident, or incorrect conclusions about fault. If you believe there is an error in the police report, you have the right to request a correction.

To request a correction, you will need to contact the law enforcement agency that filed the report and explain the error. In some cases, the agency may issue an amended report with the correct information. If the error is not corrected, your attorney may still be able to challenge the report in court or during settlement negotiations.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Help With My Car Accident Claim?

While it is not required to have an attorney to file a car accident claim in Florida, having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Insurance companies may try to minimize the compensation you receive, and they will often look for any reason to deny your claim. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

In addition to assisting with the police report, your attorney can help you gather other forms of evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Having legal counsel can give you peace of mind and increase the likelihood of securing the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages.

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How Does a Police Report Affect the Insurance Claim Process?

A police report can play a significant role in the insurance claim process. When you file a claim with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company, the police report will be one of the first documents reviewed. Insurance adjusters will use the report to determine liability, assess the extent of the damages, and decide how much compensation to offer.

In some cases, the police report may be enough to resolve the claim quickly and fairly. However, in other situations, the report may be disputed or insufficient. If the insurance company disputes the findings of the police report, your attorney can help you gather additional evidence and argue on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Florida?

If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure that you are properly compensated for your damages. First, make sure that everyone is safe and call 911 if there are any injuries or if emergency assistance is needed. When the police arrive at the scene, be sure to provide accurate information and cooperate with their investigation.

It is also important to gather as much information as possible from the other driver, including their name, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license number. If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information as well. Finally, take photos of the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles, as this can be valuable evidence in your case.

Once you have taken these steps, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss your case and ensure that you are fully informed of your rights. Your attorney can help you obtain the police report, evaluate the evidence, and guide you through the legal process to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida and are unsure about how to proceed with your claim, we are here to help. At our firm, we understand the stress and confusion that can come with such an event, and we are committed to helping you navigate the process with confidence. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you take the next step toward a successful outcome in your car accident case. We are here to help you every step of the way.

To learn more about this subject click here: Understanding the Role of Attorneys in Florida Car Accident Cases

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