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Following a car accident, immediate concern for the safety and well-being of all involved parties is paramount. Once everyone is safe, thoughts often shift to insurance implications and determining fault.
Even for those who have been driving for years, deciding whether to call the police or simply exchange information with the other driver can be confusing.
The steps to take post-accident vary by state due to differing reporting laws. While some states mandate reporting any type of accident, others only require notification if serious injuries are involved.
Awareness of these responsibilities will help reduce some of the stress that follows an accident.
After a car accident, the attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm have the experience and resources necessary to assist you in defining your rights and obligations. Speak with us right now to discuss your situation.
When to Call Police for a Car Accident?
Regarding Car incidents, there’s a golden rule to adhere to — When in doubt, always contact law enforcement. Car accident attorneys strongly recommend this advice, emphasizing the importance of creating a formal record of the incident.
Such documentation is crucial as it is a reliable reference for insurance providers and legal representatives.
There are specific scenarios where calling the police is not just advisable but necessary, including:
- Injuries to drivers or passengers in any of the involved vehicles
- The involvement of minors under 18 years of age
- Incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians
- Damage to the personal property of others
- Significant damage to any of the vehicles involved
When the police are notified of an accident, they will ask for more information to complete an official incident report fully.
Get Car Accident Help From The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Firm
Consulting someone with expertise can be essential to handling the consequences of a minor vehicle accident. A competent and reliable car accident lawyer is necessary for guidance and assistance.
Beyond accident instances, an attorney can explain the complexities of insurance procedures, explain your rights, and determine whether you qualify for reimbursement.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers complimentary consultations with its team of expert car accident lawyers. We are dedicated to assisting you through the insurance claim process and discussing your legal options.
An experienced attorney can aid in securing compensation for various needs, including:
- Medical expenses
- Treatment plans related to your medical care
- Lost earnings due to the accident
- Potential future earnings lost as a result of the accident
- Costs associated with medical rehabilitation
- Compensation for pain and suffering
If you don’t need an attorney for your case, one of our reputable attorneys could help guide you through the process.
Police Investigations After a Car Accident
When you’re involved in a car accident and decide to call the police to the scene, they will conduct an investigation and compile a police report. This document is a critical record that encapsulates the perspectives of all involved parties and the responding officer’s evaluation of the incident.
Requesting a copy of this report is essential, as it plays a necessary role in processing your insurance claim.
In instances where police do not respond to the scene, it’s still possible to report the accident to the appropriate state or local agency. This involves providing a detailed account of the accident, along with your personal information and the contact details of other individuals involved.
Before leaving the site of the accident, it’s crucial to exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Contact information, including phone numbers
- Vehicle registration (license plate number)
- Driver’s license details
- Insurance information
Collecting and exchanging these details ensures all parties have the information to proceed with insurance claims and follow-up actions.
What Happens if You Don’t Report an Accident?
Not reporting a car accident can lead to several negative consequences, ranging from legal issues to insurance complications.
- Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Incidents: If you’re involved in an accident and fail to report it, especially when damaging a parked car or other property, you must leave your contact information. Failure to do so, or leaving the scene without reporting to the police, can result in hit-and-run charges, regardless of who was at fault.
- Risk of Unexpected Injury Claims: Even in seemingly minor accidents, where both parties agree that the damage is negligible, not reporting can backfire. The other driver might later claim serious injuries or significant vehicle damage. A police report serves as an official record, helping to prevent false claims about the accident.
- Insurance Claim Denials: Most insurance policies mandate that accidents be reported promptly. Failing to report an accident can disrupt the claims process, potentially denying coverage. Insurance companies require evidence of the accident, including a police report and details about the other driver involved, to process claims. Without this information, your claim might be questioned or denied.
Even if a car crash seems minor, you should report it to the police and your insurance company for protection. Doing so will preserve your legal rights and back up any future insurance claims.
When in doubt, it’s best to be safe and get legal guidance – you might even want to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case.
What Information Should I Collect After a Car Accident?
In the event of a minor car accident, especially when police may not respond to the scene, gathering comprehensive information is crucial for filing a Department of Transportation (DoT) report or managing insurance claims. Here’s a checklist of essential information to collect:
Personal Contact Details:
Secure the full names, addresses, and contact numbers of everyone involved—drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and any witnesses. This facilitates communication and follow-up.
Driver and Vehicle Documentation:
- Driver Information: Note each driver’s license number and the issuing state.
- Insurance Details: Obtain the insurance company name and policy number from all drivers.
- Vehicle Information: Record the make, model, color, and year of each vehicle, along with the license plate number and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is vital for identification and can be found on the driver’s side dashboard or the vehicle’s registration documents.
- Witness Information: Gather contact details of witnesses. Their accounts can be invaluable in resolving disputes or clarifying the events that transpired.
Accident Details:
- Location: Document the specific location of the accident. Use road names, direction of travel, and any notable landmarks.
- Time and Date: Record the exact time and date of the accident. This can be crucial for insurance and legal purposes.
- Damage and Condition: Provide a thorough description of each vehicle’s damage. Note any existing damage as well. Photographs can be beneficial, so take as many as necessary to capture the cars’ condition and any relevant road conditions or signs.
- Police Report: If law enforcement arrives at the scene, note the officer’s name, badge number, and report number. Even in minor incidents where police do not come, filing a report at the nearest station for record-keeping may be beneficial.
Additional Notes:
Document any immediate observations about the weather, lighting, road conditions, or behaviors that might have contributed to the accident. This could include notes on traffic signals, signs, and any obstructions or hazards.
This information will assist in filing a DoT report and serve as a crucial foundation for insurance claims and any legal proceedings that may follow. Remember, safety is paramount, so ensure you and others are out of harm’s way before starting to collect information.
What Are the Benefits of Making a Police Report After an Accident?
Filing a police report following an accident is crucial in any subsequent legal actions or interactions with your insurance company. This report can be significant, mainly if another driver is found to be at fault for the accident.
Initially, damage or injuries might seem minor at the accident scene but could be more severe later.
Establishing a detailed record right from the accident moment ensures a smoother claim filing process. It also aids in managing any claims directed against you more effectively, as your attorney will have access to documented evidence from the start.
Moreover, some insurance policies stipulate the necessity of a police report for a claim to be valid. By promptly making a police report, you protect yourself against the risk of your insurance provider possibly denying coverage or proposing a settlement that is less than what you are entitled to.
This action supports your case and strengthens your position during insurance negotiations, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained.
Call Our Expert Car Accident Attorney Now!
Getting legal advice following a car accident, especially when injuries are involved, is crucial to securing just compensation. Engaging an experienced car accident attorney promptly can significantly increase your chances of receiving appropriate compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and any pain and suffering endured.
For a complimentary case assessment, contact the team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. Call us at (516) 689-1132 today or visit our website to request a free consultation online.