You are driving down the street one day when the skies open up. No, not in the way that meteorologists like to refer to when they describe a rainstorm. A few pieces of debris have fallen from the sky and struck your vehicle. The impact of the debris does not seem to have damaged your car and fortunately, none of it landed on you.
Should you call the nearest police department and notify the agency about the accident, or should you go on with your day and meet the personal and professional obligations you have scheduled?
With dozens of ways to become involved in a vehicle accident, having to deal with fallen debris is not one of the ways most motorists think about when surveying what is around them on a city street or a rural highway.
If you decide to take the hit handed out by Murphy’s Law and carry on with your day, how will the decision affect an insurance claim you file with your carrier? The answer is you will have no police report in a claim against fallen debris.
Why You Would Not Need a Police Report
When you think of fallen debris, you probably think about the worst case scenario. Large pieces of rock come raining down on your car, as you navigate the crowded streets of the downtown where you live.
However, fallen debris can be nature’s doing, with high, gusty winds blowing tree branches and other natural debris against the side of your car. After the display from Mother Nature, you realize it had more bark than bite, and your vehicle did not turn worse for wear.
With negligible damage to your car and you seemingly in good physical shape, there might not be a need to contact a law enforcement agency about your encounter with fallen debris. Still, it is a good idea to call the local police department. The responding officer might tell you to continue on with your day, but the lack of a police report can come back to hurt your chances of receiving a settlement with your insurance company.
Including Evidence with Your Claim
A police report is the most important document you have to file a claim with your insurance company. The report presents evidence of the accident, as well as provides your insurance carrier with an accurate timeline of events.
If you plan to file a claim without a police report, you will have to collect and submit the evidence yourself. You will need to send photographs of the damage to your vehicle, as well as images displaying the accident scene.
Meet with a Personal Injury Attorney
Any type of motor vehicle accident can trigger delayed responses to the ordeal, especially the development of physical ailments caused directly by the crash. You might also underestimate the damage caused to your vehicle. Soon after experiencing an accident caused by fallen debris, you should get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help you determine how to proceed with filing an insurance claim.
