What To Do If The Police Dont Come
If a police officer doesnt come to the scene of the auto accident, you can actually go to the police department to file your report. You can often do so online or at the police station.
You can also file an accident report with the DMV. In some cases, you may actually be required to do so. Visit our page on filing accident reports with the DMV to learn more.
Remember, the more documentation you have, the more evidence you have to support your claim.
Filing A Police Report
The first step after an accident after you confirm everyone is safe is to call the police. If no injuries are involved or if the property damage is minor, a police officer may not come. This does not mean you cannot file a report.
You can file a report in person at your local police department or in many cases, you can make a report online. You can also file a report with the DMV. Its a good idea to fill out as much documentation as possible to support your claim.
Even if you think you may be at fault, you should still file a police report. This may help you in the event that the injured driver makes up a fake injury.
If the police officer does come to the accident scene, they will interview you and all the other parties involved. Discuss the details of the accident and completely answer all questions. The more information you include, the more evidence you will have to back up your claim. Include photos of the accident scene, the damage, and gather witnesses who can support what happened.
The report will then be submitted to the appropriate department and after a few days, you will be able to obtain a copy of the report. Your insurance company will want this if you file a claim. Additionally, if you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer will also require a copy.
If You Were Required To File A Civilian Accident Report But Failed To Do So Within 10 Days:
It is still possible to complete the form and mail it to the State DMV.
However, failure to file within the first 10 days may result in various civil and/or criminal penalties including the potential for suspension or revocation of your drivers license and/or vehicle registration.
While you should not delay in providing timely notice of an accident to law enforcement and/or the NY State DMV as required by law, it may also be in your best interest to immediately consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss the potential implications of a late filing and your rights under the law.
Read Also: Can You File A Fraud Police Report Online
Can I File An Insurance Claim Without The Police Report
While you do not need a police report when making a claim with your insurance company, it can speed up the process. Without a police report, it is hard for your insurer to prove your word. Thus, they might be unwilling to pay the full claim amount.
A police report backs up your claim, especially if you claim the other party was at fault. The report provides details on how the accident occurred, who was responsible according to the police, visible damage to the vehicles, and injuries on the parties involved.
If you were injured, a police report protects your right to receive medical care. Your insurance company may delay or deny compensating you for the medical expenses for injuries sustained from an accident they cannot verify.
What The Law Says About Contacting The Police
Depending on the state you are in, you are required by law to contact the police and make a report after a wreck. In Texas, you must call the police if property damage is over $1,000 or if there are serious injuries or death. In cases like these, you could face large fines and even jail time if you do not call. Insurance policies can also make requirements about contacting the authorities within a certain timeframe.
Recommended Reading: Can You Call Police To Unlock Your Car
Do I Need A Police Report After A Car Accident
Yes, its a good idea to get a police report after any type of vehicle accident. It serves as official documentation that can protect you in a potential insurance claim or lawsuit. By law, Virginia residents have to report a car accident to authorities if it results in injury, damage to attended property, or death.
What about minor collisions that cause minimal property damage? At the time of the incident, you may think calling the police is overkill, but its truly the best way to preserve your rights. Even in situations where all parties are amicable, and liability is not contested, theres no telling what the other driver will say or do later on. They could attempt to sue you for vehicle repairs or an injury you didnt cause.
Police reports are valuable documentation
Regardless of who is being blamed for the crash, you should request a copy of the police report. This document provides critical information for both your insurance provider and your car accident lawyer.
The reality is that few people are thinking clearly in the first moments after a car accident. You may be in a state of shock or injured, but completely unaware thanks to surging adrenaline. Injuries like whiplash can take time to show symptoms. In some cases, it may be several days before you get achy and notice that things are not quite right.
Information that is included in a police report
Contact us today for a free consultation
Police Are Trained To Help
Police officers know what to do after car accidents. Their training and experience helps them stay calm and think clearly when there’s been an accident. The police will also keep you safe by stopping traffic or moving it away from the accident scene. They can call for medical help and give first aid to anyone who’s hurt. They can calm everyone down if the other people in the accident are angry.
The officers’ main job after an accident is to find out what happened, how it happened and how each person was involved. They are not there to arrest people. But if the accident was caused by someone breaking the law, like a drunk driver, they might arrest them. The police will usually give a ticket to any driver who was driving carelessly. If you get a ticket that you think is unfair, you can argue your case in court.
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Police Report In Florida
Do You Have To Call The Police After A Minor Car Accident In Oklahoma
Typically, you do not have to call the police after a minor car accident if all of the following is true:
Every state has a different property damage dollar amount minimum that requires the presence of law enforcement. In Oklahoma, you must call the police if there was $300 or more in damages.
Still, even though you dont have to call the police after a minor car accident, that doesnt mean you shouldnt. What can happen if you dont call the police after an accident? Well, if you or the other driver has delayed injuries or discovers damage that wasnt noticed at the accident scene, insurance may come into play. And a big part of how you prove you are not at fault in a car accident is by collecting your own evidence and making sure theres an official record of what happened in the form of a police report.
When Errors Are Made In A Police Report
Any law enforcement officer who prepares a police report is human, and it’s not unheard of for errors to pop up in the report. These mistakes can range from negligible errors to major blunders. So, what can you do? It may seem like the police report and everything in it is set in stone once you get your hands on it, but that’s not necessarily true. In some cases it’s possible to have changes made to a police report — in legalese, this is called “amending” the report, or requesting that a supplemental police report be prepared.
Information in a police report usually falls into one of two categories: factual information and disputed information. The former is an easier fix than the latter when it comes to amending the police report. Let’s take a closer look.
Read Also: Does Crisis Text Line Call The Police
Should I File A Police Report After An Accident
Posted
Sharing is caring:
A traffic accident can happen in an instant. When it does, it can be one of the scariest and most traumatizing experiences in your life. According to the Texas Department of Transportation , a reportable crash occurs about every minute in the state, based on 2018 statistics. Just under 250,000 people were injured in traffic accidents the same year. While most accidents are minor, some can be severe and may cause serious injuries or fatalities. If you were hurt in an accident, you might have compensation for your injuries.
What Will The Police Do At The Scene Of A Car Accident
The police are there to help. They will be able to provide support to the parties involved in the crash, interview witnesses, and gather all necessary information about the accident. The cops will do some or all of the following:
- Take down basic information.
- Make sure the area is secure and safe for traffic and all people involved.
- Give tickets if this is required due to violations or negligence.
- Speak to witnesses, third parties, or any other people involved.
- Evaluate the situation to help avoid scams or other issues.
- Prepare a report you can later use to file your insurance claim or use in court if needed.
You May Like: What Do Police Drones Look Like
How Do Insurance Companies Use Police Reports
After a car accident, when a claim is reported, the insurance company will conduct its own investigation. One of the first things that an insurance company will ask for is the police report. This is because, as we discussed above, the report contains a vast amount of information pertaining to the car accident.
Sometimes the insurance company and police officer’s opinions are different. This is why there are times when the police report is in your favor in terms of a fault determination, but the other driver’s insurance company still denies your insurance claim.
Learn more about the role of insurance in a car accident case.
What If The Police Dont Come
In some instances, a police officer will not be available to attend the scene of the incident. This may be for any of the following reasons:
- The accident is not serious
- No injuries occurred
- A public emergency is taking place in your area, and all officers are on call
In order to ensure the police show up, it is essential to describe the accident as accurately possible. Report the injuries, vehicular damages, and circumstances leading up to the incident to the 911 dispatcher.
Recommended Reading: Can I Sue The Police Department
What Does The Missouri Law Say
Under Section 303.040, RSMo, you are supposed to report accidents:
- That occurred not more than 12 months ago
- That involved an uninsured motorist
- Or caused severe injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $500
After reporting the accident, the police will investigate the circumstances that led to the accident and write up a report.
S To Take To Correct Your Police Report
If you find errors in the police reporteven factual onesyou do not want to ignore them. Here are some helpful tips on how to get a police report corrected:
In addition, hiring an attorney soon after your crash is always a smart strategy. He can help you avoid mistakes, investigate your accident more thoroughly, and negotiate your settlement. If you were involved in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, our firm today to schedule a free consultation with David Brauns.
Related Links:
Read Also: How To Report A Crime To The Police
Why Your Albuquerque Police Report Could Be Important To Your Claim
A police report adds validation from an official standpoint. Once youve discussed options with your injury attorney, they can use that report in conjunction with their own independent findings to assure accuracy in what law enforcement documented.
Without this official document, attorneys have less information to use in building a case to pursue an injury claim. This could give the insurer leverage in defending their position in court, and may jeopardize the amount of compensation you receive if youre awarded anything.
If needed, police will be subpoenaed to testify in your case. As they have no personal stake in the accident, they can provide a valuable perspective. In certain cases, law enforcement could assist an attorney in locating other witnesses to help back up your case. Without an accident report, there would be no police involvement which could prove detrimental to your case.
Finally, in claims where an insurer believes theres evidence of comparative fault, a police report could refute these claims.
What Happens After A Car Accident With No Police Report
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , about 90 people die daily from road accidents. However, not every accident is fatal. Although some of the most common vehicle accidents are minor and do not result in any injuries, it is important to be prepared after any wreck. In fact, what you do within the first ten minutes after an accident can severely impact your life. After an accident, the parties involved might decide to not call the police. They only exchange pertinent information regarding the accident so that everyone can consult with their insurance companies. But what happens if there are costly repairs involved and no police report to prove who was at fault?
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Police Accident Report Online
Follow Through With All Medical Care Advice
The insurance company will likely look for ways to reduce your settlement amount, and they may start by looking for gaps in your medical treatment. Dont give an insurer the chance to say you worsened your own injuries.
Get all the care you need as advised by your doctors. This could mean taking certain medications, getting physical therapy, or other care.
How Will A Tardy Police Report Affect My Insurance Claim
When accident victims come to us and ask, Can I still file a police report after an accident? they are often just as worried about the financial stakes as they are the formal filing requirements. After all, auto accidents can carry a tremendous financial toll for the victims, and the idea that a tardy form could keep you from the compensation you deserve is a terrible thought.
Earlier in this article, we explained that filing an insurance claim and filing a police report after an accident are two totally different processes. Its important to keep that fact in mind.
So heres the bottom line: if you were injured in a New York auto accident as a result of someone elses negligence, you have rights.
Failure to file an accident report on time may complicate your insurance claim , but it doesnt necessarily mean you cant recover the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured, please contact the Kingston personal injury lawyers at OConnor and Partners as soon as possible. It is important never to make assumptions about your legal rights or your options for pursuing them. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney instead.
Read Also: How To Get A Police Report Amended
When Should I Report An Accident To The Police
Even if your state law gives you a cushion of 10 days, 30 days, or something else, you should always report an accident to the police as soon as possible. In some cases, if you take longer than a certain amount of time, you may need to provide documentation proving why you weren’t able to submit it earlier.
Dont Be Tempted By Early Settlement Offers
The liable insurer could contact you soon after the crash to make you an early settlement offer. How will you know the true value of your case?
It may be tempting to get a quick check to address your bills. However, accepting an unfair offer could mean leaving a great deal of compensation on the table. You have to understand the value of your case. Our team can help you learn more about what your case could be worth.
Related: Should I Hire an Attorney in Virginia or Let the Insurance Company Handle My Car Accident Claims?
Don’t Miss: How To Train A Dog To Be A Police Dog
Reporting An Accident To The Insurance Company
This specific timeline depends on the insurance provider. However, most providers require that you report the accident as soon as is reasonably possible.
Many insurance providers have 24-hour hotlines so you can report an accident immediately. This is especially important if you plan on filing a claim with your insurance provider. It can also be helpful to go over your insurance policy to check for any claim limitations.
Note: Filing A Police Report Is Not The Same As Filing An Insurance Claim
First things first its important to understand that police reports and insurance claims involve two totally different processes.
It is true that your car insurance contract probably requires you to call your insurer and notify them that youve been in an accident. But notifying the insurer isnt the same as reporting the accident to law enforcement. You have to do both.
Even if you have zero intention of filing an insurance claim, pursuing a lawsuit, or making a claim for compensation, you still need to cross both these items off your to-do list ASAP:
- Notify your car insurance company.
- File a police report.
We also strongly recommend that you see a doctor as soon as possible for a post-accident medical exam and contact an experienced Kingston personal injury lawyer .
Also Check: How Do Police Warrants Work