When car accidents happen to Baltimore residents, it is natural to want to get the police involved. Indeed, it is recommended that those involved in accident summons the police when appropriate.
For one truck driver in Maryland, however, getting the involvement of the police was taken to a whole new level. The truck driver was involved in an auto accident with a police car during a mid-afternoon weekend commute. While it was unclear how the accident occurred, both vehicles overturned as a result of the accident.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in the incident, although both the police officer and the truck driver were taken to the hospital. An accident investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.
The accident is unique because it involved a police car, but the involvement of police at the scene of the accident is a common matter. Typically, a police officer's report that is generated after an accident investigation may be used by future litigants to investigate the circumstances of the incident. For example, contact information from witnesses to the accident may be obtained, so that those involved in a personal injury lawsuit can contact those witnesses and investigate further.
Police reports often are not admissible in civil court proceedings themselves, although this should not discourage individuals from obtaining the report. For example, a police report frequently contains a preliminary assessment of fault, which could prove valuable in settlement discussions with the other party. Ultimately, those involved in accidents can work with their attorney to obtain the police report and other information about the accident, which can then be used to obtain relief against the negligent driver.
