If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering if you should call the police. Any time that you have been in a crash, the police should be notified so an accident report can be completed. Even if the crash seems to be minor and you only have minimal property damage and no known physical injuries, you should file a report.
Sometimes damages and injuries might not be apparent for several days, or even several weeks. If that is the case, you cannot pursue a personal injury claim at that time without documentation or record showing that the accident did take place.
Am I Required to File an Accident Report?
In most places, you are required by law to report an auto accident to the police and have a report completed. As an example, in Tennessee any crash with more than $400 of property damages must be reported. With the cost of repairing vehicles these days, it would cost that much to address a very minor spot of damage.
Anytime someone is injured in an auto accident, a police report must be completed as well. In most states, an accident report must be filed within a specified number of days after the crash. However, it is much better to file the report at the crash scene, so stories are not changed and so the police can see the crash scene and the damage to the vehicles. If you wait until later, the other driver might change his or her story, or you could be blamed for actions you did not take.
What Is the Purpose of an Accident Report?
An accident report will help determine who is at fault for a crash and will usually give a preliminary determination of liability. It will explain how the crash occurred, where it occurred, the weather conditions, the damages to the vehicles, and so forth. The drivers will provide statements regarding the crash and any eyewitnesses will also tell about what they saw.
If possible, you should use your smartphone to photograph the accident scene and the damaged vehicles. Even if you think injuries are minor, you should be checked by a medical professional right away to establish medical care in the event injuries are more serious than you initially believe.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in an auto accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer will determine liability, determine which damages you suffered and come up with a fair value for settling your claim.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your details shared with an attorney in your area who is experienced with accident injury law. A statute of limitations does apply, so time is of the utmost importance. Get your claim on the right track today, talk with an accident injury lawyer who can help you.
