The Importance of a Police Report After a Commercial Truck Collision

If you have suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident in Nebraska due to another party’s negligence, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to protect your rights. One of the most important steps to take in this situation is contacting the police so they can file a report. A police report is an official recording of the accident that contains details about who was involved and what happened. This document can help prove liability, preserve evidence, and streamline the claim process, making it a crucial piece of evidence.

At Knowles Law Firm, we understand the role a police report plays in a truck accident claim, so we can help you obtain a copy and use it to prove the liable party, whether it be the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer, or government agency, owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and directly caused the collision and your injuries. In our 55 years of experience, we have obtained multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, so you can trust us to build a strong claim and fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation.

Why Are Police Reports Important After a Commercial Truck Accident in Nebraska

Although the police may come to the accident scene, the responding officers are allowed to use their discretion as to whether they formally investigate the accident and file a report. Post-COVID, most police agencies in Nebraska will only file a report if there are injuries claimed or the property damage is significant enough that tow trucks are required. According to Nebraska law, if the crash was not investigated by a law enforcement officer, state statute requires every operator of a motor vehicle involved in an crash resulting in either injury, death, or damages equal to or exceeding $1,500 to the property of any one person (including the operator) to complete and submit a confidential Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report within 10 days following the crash.  

Any time you are in an accident, we recommend calling the police and requesting an officer come to the scene to conduct an investigation and make a report. If the police will not come to the scene or will not make a report, we recommend contacting the police after the accident and asking them to file a report. A formal report is crucial in commercial truck accidents where the size and weight of the vehicles can cause significant damage. When law enforcement arrives at your truck accident scene, they will gather information to create the police report. 

This information includes the date, time, and location of the collision and the names and contact information of the parties involved. Officers will also note any injuries and damages, witness statements, and violated laws. With the details in the police report, this document plays a vital role in your claim in the following ways:

Legal Document

In addition to being an official recording of the truck accident, a police report is an important legal document that can be used in court if there are any disputes or discrepancies about the collision.  The officer that investigated the accident and completed the report would be able to rely on the contents of the report to testify about the findings of their investigation.

Proof for Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often require a police report when processing claims because it helps them understand liability and the damages they need to cover. Additionally, insurance companies use tactics to undermine your claim and pay you an unfair settlement. The police report can help us advocate for the compensation you deserve by describing the damages and injuries you sustained.

Preserve Evidence

The police can capture details of the accident scene undisturbed, including photos, testimony from parties involved, and other evidence that may have been lost or not as effective. This information is essential for building a strong claim and gives you a better chance of achieving just compensation. 

Support Your Claim

When you tell your story to the police, they document the details in the police report. However, the other party or parties involved may tell a different version of events so they can deny liability. With the police report and other evidence we can help you collect, you can support your story and protect your rights from others who may try to blame you for the collision, including the insurance company.

Establish Liability

Proving liability in a truck accident case can be challenging, especially given the many factors that contribute to truck safety, including the driver, the trucking company, and manufacturers. The details from the police report can help us determine whose negligence caused the collision and prove they breached their duty of care to the insurance company.

Streamline Process

The police report keeps all relevant information from the accident, including the parties’ names, contact information, and insurance information, making the process much easier. Because insurance companies often require the police report for claim processing, obtaining the document and sending it to them quickly helps you secure your settlement promptly.

Contact the Experienced Lawyers at Knowles Law Firm to Discuss Your Nebraska Commercial Truck Accident Claim

At Knowles Law Firm, we know the importance of having all the evidence you need after a serious truck accident, including a police report. This report is critical in establishing liability, preserving evidence, and supporting your claim. With over 55 years of experience and multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, we understand the impact a truck accident can have on your life. We are ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today at (402) 431-9000 or fill out our contact form to discuss how we may be able to assist with your claim.