As one of the most frightening type of vehicle accidents, a side impact accident often comes out of nowhere. The sudden impact produces a considerable jolt to your body and emotional state. Side impact car accidents can also put the driver and passengers in harm’s way. Unlike a front end crash that you see coming or a back bumper crash that hits far enough away from passengers, a side impact vehicle crash will probably require the attention of a law enforcement agency.
However, some cases, a side impact crash might not involve a police department, which means there will be no police report to file with your insurance company. When that happens, it is important for you to know how to act to ensure you submit compelling evidence of the accident to your insurance carrier.
Why You Might Not Need a Police Report
If a side impact auto crash did not produce any vehicle damage and there were no injuries resulting from the accident, then you can move forward without needing a police report to file with your insurance company. However, play it safe and at least contact the nearest police station. The responding officer might give you the green light to handle the insurance report on your own. In addition, if all parties to the accident are fully insured and licensed, as well as act in a polite manner, then you can obtain the information you need by interacting with the other driver(s).
You will need to collect driver contact information, which you obtain from each driver’s license. You want to write down the name, address, and driver’s license number. Then, examine each driver’s insurance policy to make sure everyone has the minimum liability coverage required by the state where you live.
What Evidence Do You Need to Submit?
Without a police report, you can expect the insurance claim process to take longer, especially if you present insufficient evidence. To ensure you submit solid evidence of the side impact crash, take photographs at the sight of the accident that include shots of every vehicle and photos of the road condition. You should also speak with every driver and any witnesses that can provide useful information about the crash.
It is important to get witness statements as quickly as possible after a side impact accident for two reasons. Witnesses that have no stake in the outcome of an investigation might leave the scene soon after the accident. Another reason to take witness statements shortly after a vehicle crash is to capture the most recent recollections of a witness. Time tends to diminish the reliability of our memories.
The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Side impact car accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, some of which do not appear until a few days or weeks after the accident. Whiplash is one type of injury that is common with side impact accidents and the symptoms of a whiplash injury do not always develop quickly. Make sure you reach out to a state licensed personal injury attorney to ensure you cover all your legal bases.
