Car accidents are stressful, unexpected events that often leave people uncertain about what steps to take. Amid the confusion and shock, people often wonder if they have to call the police after a car accident. Whether the accident is a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, contacting law enforcement can be a crucial step in protecting your rights and ensuring proper documentation of the incident. Read this blog and reach out to a knowledgeable Jacksonville car accident lawyer from Ansbacher Law to learn about why it’s so important to call the police after a car accident. Here are some of the questions you may have:
When Am I Legally Required to Call the Police After an Accident?
Florida law clearly outlines when it is necessary to call the police following a car accident. If the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500, you are legally obligated to report the crash to local law enforcement. In most cases, it can be difficult to assess property damage at the scene, making it a good rule of thumb to contact the police after any significant collision, even if it seems minor at first. Additionally, if there is any indication that a driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, calling the police is not only necessary but essential for everyone’s safety.
Failing to report an accident under these conditions can result in fines and legal penalties. More importantly, by contacting the police, you ensure that an official accident report is filed. This report can serve as valuable evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action down the line.
Can a Police Report Help My Personal Injury Claim?
A police report can be a key piece of evidence in any personal injury case. When an officer arrives at the scene of an accident, they will take statements from all involved parties, assess the physical evidence, and create an official report. This document often contains details that may not be immediately clear to you in the chaos of the accident, such as whether traffic laws were violated or if one party was acting negligently.
Having an objective, third-party account of the accident can significantly strengthen your claim when dealing with insurance companies. Insurers may try to downplay your injuries or dispute the circumstances of the crash, but a police report serves as an unbiased record that can support your version of events. Without it, you may face more challenges when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
What Happens if I Don’t Call the Police After a Car Accident?
In some cases, drivers may agree not to call the police after a minor accident, especially if no one appears injured and the damage seems minimal. While this may seem convenient, skipping the step of involving law enforcement can create complications later. Injuries like whiplash or concussions often don’t manifest until hours or even days after the accident. If you fail to document the incident with a police report, it becomes much harder to prove that these injuries were caused by the crash.
Additionally, without an official police report, insurance companies may deny your claim or argue that you are at fault for the accident. This can leave you vulnerable to paying out-of-pocket for repairs or medical expenses that should be covered by the responsible party. Therefore, even if both drivers appear cooperative and the accident seems minor, it is always in your best interest to notify the police and have a report filed.
