While stoplights are designed to help improve the safety at intersections, they are also a site where many accidents still occur. While it is recommended to call the police and have an accident report completed after any accident, you can still pursue a personal injury claim after a crash even if an accident report wasn’t filed. There are many reasons there may not be a police report.
If the weather was bad and officers had multiple calls, they may have told you to proceed without a report. If you were in a rural area, and didn’t have access to phone service, then you may not have a police report.
You may have been upset or too rattled to think of calling the police. You may not have realized the extent of the injuries or damages, so you didn’t think to call.
You should always gather supporting evidence and documentation to pursue a personal injury claim after an accident at a stoplight. Here are a few tips regarding an accident at a stoplight in which you didn’t get a police report.
Evidence Used In Place Of A Police Report
If you don’t get a police report after an accident at a stoplight, you can still gather supporting evidence and documentation for your personal injury claim. You should always exchange names, contact details, and insurance information after any accident regardless of how minor it was.
Take photos of the accident scene, of the damages, and of any visible injuries. Get pictures from all angles. Ask any witnesses to provide written statements regarding what they saw. Get the names of any witnesses and their contact details. Keep any tow bills and rental car receipts.
You should establish medical care right away. Keep copies of all medical bills and medical records. Document any missed work and lost wages. Keep copies of all medical excuses. Detail your restrictions and limitations after suffering the injuries in the accident. Take your car to a qualified auto repair facility and get a written repair estimate.
How A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Your Claim
If you have been in an accident at a stoplight but didn’t get a police report, a personal injury attorney can be very helpful to the outcome of your claim. Accident injury attorneys are familiar with the state and local laws and will know how to proceed with your claim against the at-fault driver. Your lawyer will help you gather supporting evidence and documentation, so you can show which damages you suffered and why the accident occurred.
The insurer of the other driver will have legal representation to look out for their lights, so you need to make sure you have something looking out for your interests. Personal injury attorneys have strong negotiation skills, so your attorney will work to see that you get a fair settlement.
When you retain a lawyer, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. Your attorney will take the case on a contingency basis, so he or she will not be paid until you win your claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation today!
