If the accident occurred within the last couple days, you should contact the relevant police department and request to file a collision report as soon as possible. A collision report filed after-the-fact is less persuasive because the officer oftentimes will perform only the most rudimentary of investigations. However, it is better than nothing.
Contact the reporting officer and voice your disagreement. The most effective method is to write a letter (instead of calling) so that you have a written record. Identify the portions of the traffic collision report that you disagree with or that contain inaccurate information. Provide the officer with the correct information or voice your disagreement […]
Unfortunately, even with a favorable traffic collision report, liability can be disputed. There is considerable prejudice against cyclists and many non-bike riding individuals view bicycles as a nuisance and feel that cyclists should not be permitted to ride on the roads. This bias is pervasive and many insurance adjusters share these sentiments. Beyond this inherent […]
The traffic collision report is not admissible as evidence at trial. However, the report is very persuasive during the claims process and early on in the litigation process because insurance companies give great deference to the report, despite the fact that the officer most likely did not observe the accident firsthand. Furthermore, if the officer […]