There are many important steps you should take after a car accident in North Dakota or Minnesota. One is calling the police and obtaining a police report.
When the police arrive, they will naturally want to talk to you, the other driver and any other witnesses to the accident. This conversation means more than you think.
What you say to the police after a car accident can make a huge difference when it comes to protecting your rights and potentially collecting compensation through a personal injury action. Here is some general advice on how to talk to police after an accident.
Remain calm and composed
Your emotions are likely all over the place and you might feel scared, anxious or upset. Feelings of shock or numbness are also common.
Take deep breaths and talk to police politely and respectfully. Avoid talking negatively about others involved in the accident. Do not insult others, yell or cause an even bigger scene.
Ensure that you thoroughly understand a question before answering it. If you do not understand a question, ask the police officer to repeat it and explain what they mean if necessary.
Keep the answers to your questions brief. Stick to the facts. Do not speculate or exaggerate. Stay with yes or no answers when possible.
Give the police basic information such as your name, contact information, driver’s license, registration and insurance information.
Never apologize or take blame for the accident
Even if you believe that you caused the accident, remember that you do not have all the information yet. Other facts could come out that show that you had less responsibility for the accident than you believed.
Get the police officer’s name and badge number and ask how you can receive a copy of the official accident report. When you have finished speaking with the police, ask if you are free to leave the scene. Do not leave the scene until you are given permission.
Taking these steps can make it easier to receive fair compensation if you pursue a personal injury claim for damages.