Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

Police Officer error

My father was involved in an accident on August 19th. He is still feeling the effects of this accident. His Taxi was totaled, therefore it had to be towed. The police officer apparently filled out a non-reportable accident form (which claims there were no injuries/no towable vehicles). This abviously is contradictory to my fathers car being towed. The worst part is both parties and automobiles were at the scene of the accident, but on the police report the officer has no information on the other driver at ALL!! What can he do? Is there anything he can do? Isn't the police officer in line for some sort of discipinary action. I understand the backlash but is ther anything that can be done at this point. Please call me if anything.

Jean


Asked on 11/15/05, 9:16 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Paul Stacom Law Offices of Paul J. Stacom

Re: Police Officer error

The fact that the police report indicated that no injuries were reported is not very harmful. Often, people do not feel the effects until some time after the accident. The police officer is not a doctor. What is most relevant is how soon, and whether, your father sought medical treatment. did he get the other driver's info.? If not, he may be able to pursue an unnisured motorist claim against his own insurance company (which will not effect his rates). As for the police department, I would also follow up with them as to their proper procedures and explain why information was left out or incomplete. Rather than looking at punishing the officer, which may provide some moral satisfaction, if your father is injured he should and has the right, to pursue his claim. Please contact if you wish to discuss further.

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Answered on 11/15/05, 10:18 pm
Richard Teitell Richard K. Teitell, Esquire, P.C.

Re: Police Officer error

If the other driver was at fault, you father can pursue an uninsured motorist claim, if he has that coverage on his auto insurance policy, or on another policy in the household. Those benefits will pay him for his injuries. It's best if he has a lawyer to pursue that claim. Please feel free to contact my office to discuss further. There is no charge for the initial consultation, & there is no attorney fee unless there is a sucessful recovery. Good luck!

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Answered on 11/15/05, 10:32 pm


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