The police report of the car accident is a vital piece of evidence that can either help or harm you case. If the report is favorable, it can corroborate your version of the accident; if it’s unfavorable, however, it can present many difficulties to your burden of proof.
Both sides can readily access the police report. This means that either the insurance adjuster or the defendant’s attorney can use it to deny liability or even reduce possible damages because of comparative negligence on your part. Thus, if the police report is unfavorable to you, your Orange County auto accident lawyer should try to challenge it or figure out how to use it in your favor. Your attorney can do this in several ways:
- Looking at the officer’s role in the investigation (to see whether he was an eye-witness to the accident, an after-the-fact investigator, or an expert in accident reconstruction), as well as his background, training, and experience;
- Hiring investigators or accident reconstruction experts in order to get physical evidence, forensic evidence, or expert testimony;
- Meeting with the officer and getting additional information in order to later impeach or cross-examine him at the trial;
- Contesting any administrative, traffic, or criminal charges stemming from the car accident in order to cross-examine the officer, do discovery, and prevent a conviction that can later be used against you in a civil lawsuit;
- Filing court motions to exclude certain parts of the police report;
- Doing a deposition on the police officer so he has to commit to his testimony in trial; and
- Finding out whether the police officers made a videotape at the scene of the accident or immediately following the accident.
If you’ve been in a car accident, and you’re thinking of filing a lawsuit, contact Orange County auto accident lawyer Samer Habbas for a free initial consultation.
Samer Habbas, EsqSamer Habbas is a California attorney with over 18 years of experience in personal injury law. Throughout his career, he has successfully recovered over $300 million for his clients, solidifying his reputation as a leading advocate in the field. Samer swiftly gained recognition for his adept negotiation skills and unwavering dedication to his clients. His practice spans a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, dog bites, funeral home abuse, premises liability, and wrongful death. Samer is known for his compassionate approach and commitment to securing favorable outcomes for his clients. His expertise has earned him the trust and respect of both his clients and his peers within the legal community. He is also deeply invested in giving back to his community. He actively participates in pro bono work and volunteers his time to various charitable organizations. Samer is a champion for those who have been wronged, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients and his community.
