If you’ve been in a car accident in Memphis, one of the first things you should do is get a copy of the police accident report. This report contains crucial information about the crash, such as the involved parties, location, timing, and whether any tickets were issued. If you don’t know how to read a police accident report or haven’t seen one, it can be hard to understand.
At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, our experienced attorneys will walk you through the critical components of a Memphis police accident report. They can also explain how they can impact your personal injury lawsuit compensation for damages.
Understanding the Basics of a Police Accident Report
The responding officer at the scene of the crash typically completes a police accident report, also known as a Tennessee Uniform Traffic Crash Report. How to read a police accident report? Every police accident report includes:
- Information for everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, and any witnesses
- A description of the vehicles involved, including make, model, and license plate number
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A drawing or narrative of how the accident occurred
- Any tickets or violations issued to the involved parties
- Information about injuries or property damage from the crash
It’s essential to read this information carefully and make sure it matches what you remember about the accident. If you see any mistakes, tell your lawyer so they can get the report fixed. You could also go to a personal injury attorney or car accident attorney to learn how to read a police accident report if all else fails.
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Monetary Damages: Evaluating Your Economic Losses
One of the main reasons to get a police accident report is to help prove how much money you lost because of the accident. These losses, also called economic damages, are meant to repay you for the money you spent or lost because of the crash. Examples of monetary damages may include:
- Medical bills, including ambulance fees, hospital stays, and the cost of ongoing treatment or therapy
- Lost wages or income if you’re unable to work because of your injuries
- Property damage to your vehicle or other personal property
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as the cost of transportation to medical appointments
You’ll need to gather documentation such as medical bills, pay stubs, and repair estimates to prove your monetary damages. Your attorney can help you compile this evidence and use it in conjunction with the police report to build a strong compensation case.
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Emotional Damages: Accounting for Pain and Suffering
In addition to monetary losses, you might receive compensation for the emotional impact of the accident. These are called non-economic damages or “pain and suffering.” They can be harder to put a dollar amount on, but they’re just as accurate as your financial losses. Examples of emotional damages may include:
- Physical pain and discomfort from your injuries
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression from the trauma of the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once loved
- Strain on your relationship with your spouse or partner because of your injuries
The police report might not talk about these types of damages directly, but it can help show how bad the accident was and how severe your injuries are. More importantly, your lawyer can use this information to help build a case for emotional damages.
Examples of Punitive Damages in Memphis Accident Cases
Sometimes, the court orders the person who caused the accident to pay extra money, known as punitive damages, when they have committed egregious wrongdoing. These serve to punish the person and deter them and others from repeating the same behavior in the future. Examples of when punitive damages awards might be ordered include:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Accidents caused by speeding or reckless driving
- Accidents involving a driver with a history of similar misconduct
If the police report shows that the person who caused your accident was doing any of these things, it can help your case for punitive damages. Your lawyer can use the report and other evidence, like witness statements and expert opinions, to argue that punitive damages are appropriate in your case.
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Examples of Compensatory Damages for Memphis Accident Victims
Compensatory damages are a large category that includes both monetary and emotional damages. It is designed to reimburse you for all your losses due to the accident. Some examples and/or types of compensatory damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
The police accident report can be a helpful tool in proving that you deserve these damages. By giving a clear and fair description of how the accident happened and what injuries and damage it caused, the report can help show that the other party is at fault and how much you’ve lost.
Get Help from Experienced Memphis Accident Attorneys
Dealing with everything after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand complicated documents like police reports and medical records. Consequently, that’s why it’s so important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. They can guide you through the process and fight to get you the money you deserve.
At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, we have over 50 years of experience helping accident victims in the Memphis Tri-State Area get money for their losses. Our legal team knows how to read police accident reports and use them to build strong personal injury cases.
If you’ve been hurt in a Memphis car accident, do not attempt to handle it on your own. Call our office today at (901) 526-2126 or visit our website to set up a free consultation with one of our skilled Memphis car accident lawyers. You won’t have to pay anything upfront, and we only receive payment if we win your case. Let us use our knowledge, experience, and resources to get the money you need to move on with your life.
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May 4, 2013
