Why Police Reports Are Important for Auto Accident Claims

Car accidents are traumatic experiences. Injuries can cause you to miss work and impact your quality of life. The experience can be overwhelming, and the resulting paperwork can be daunting.

It is still important to fill out an official State of New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Accident Report. Filing this report can make a difference in your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.

The importance of filing the report

In New Hampshire, any auto accident that results in combined vehicle and property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported in writing to the DMV within 15 days of the occurrence. If the police responded to the scene, it’s likely they will take care of this for you.

Filing this report is not the same as making an insurance claim, but insurance companies will refer to it when processing your claim. In some cases, the full extent of your injuries or property damage isn’t realized for days or even weeks after an accident. Without the proper documentation, proving they are a result of the crash will be much more difficult.

Collecting the information you need

Knowing what information you’ll need ahead of time can make it easier to collect damages after an accident. After moving your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, exchange insurance information with the other driver. This includes their name and contact information.

Document the scene thoroughly. If you have access to a camera, take pictures and video of the scene. Do the same for damages to your vehicle and any injuries. If there were witnesses, ask permission to record their account of what happened on video or in writing, and ask for their contact information in case you need to follow up with them.

The two-page accident report requires a significant amount of information on the crash. Every detail matters: the date, time, day of the week and exact location plus the number of vehicles involved and reported police presence. Errors may jeopardize your claim. The report also requires information on injuries, accident type, and vehicle information. Documenting the scene of the accident thoroughly can make the reporting process much easier.

Make the process easier

This report is just the beginning of your post-accident process. In addition, you will likely need to fill out various forms from your insurance company. We can help you do that and guide you every step of the way—from dealing with insurance companies to perhaps even filing a lawsuit on your behalf.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We can explain all the legal options available to you. We're here to help you regain your quality of life and the compensation you deserve after your accident.