Forgot to File a Police Report Following a Car Crash? This Can Be a Costly Mistake

No one plans on getting into a car accident, but thousands of them occur every day. Drivers don’t always know whether or not they should call the police after a collision. Some may think the damage is too minor to bother law enforcement. Others just don’t want to wait a few extra minutes for the police to arrive. However, this may be a costly mistake. Other than police reports, you should always have in hand an injury lawyer who can assess you in difficult times. Click here to find more information about injury lawyers.

Police reports are helpful regardless of the accident. Officers write down everything they see at the scene, including road and weather conditions. It’s wise to call the police even after a minor accident. Further, when hiring an accident attorney, having a police report will also help them better understand what happened. Not filing a police report after a car accident could end up costing victims more in the long run. Here’s why:

1. Other Parties Might Lie

In a perfect world, everyone would tell the truth. However, some devious drivers will do anything to avoid admitting fault. They may claim the other party left the scene or purposely caused the accident. Conflicting stories make it challenging to settle with insurance and collect compensation. Filing a police report will help prevent less-than-honest drivers from making false claims.

2. Insurance Could Refuse Medical Claims

Car accident injuries range from mild to life-threatening, and even a minor concussion could require advanced medical diagnostics and care. MRI and CT scans often cost thousands of dollars. Many medical insurance providers will deny coverage if they believe another party is to blame. Without a police report, however, determining fault may prove difficult. If the insurance company refuses to pay, the victim may wind up paying outrageous medical bills out of their own pocket.

3. Local Laws May Require One

Calling the police after a simple fender-bender may seem like overkill, but sometimes it’s the law. Every state has different rules regarding auto accidents. California law states drivers have 10 days to report an accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles if it causes injury, death, or more than $750 in damage. Failure to do so could result in a suspended license. Even if a police report isn’t required, it’s best to call law enforcement right after the incident to make sure it’s safe to leave the scene.

When the Other Party Leaves Before Police Arrives

Some drivers aren’t patient enough to wait for the police. If the other party wants to leave, don’t try to stop them. As long as the other driver stops long enough to exchange information, they don’t have to be present to file a police report. Just make sure they provide a written or recorded statement of what they believed happened. It should also include a way to contact them in case the officer needs to clarify something.

However, some negligent drivers don’t stop at all. The law calls these hit-and-run accidents. Always call the police after a hit-and-run as soon as possible. Most jurisdictions have a statute of limitations for reporting hit-and-run accidents, and missing the deadline could make it more challenging for the insurance company.

When in Doubt, Call the Police

After an auto collision, it’s up to the victim to prove the other party was at fault. Police reports contain valuable information and evidence to help determine liability. It’s a good idea to call the police after every accident, even if it seems minor. Having a report could mean the difference between an expensive lawsuit or an open-and-shut case.