After a car accident, amidst the initial shock and confusion, one of the critical decisions you need to make is whether to call the police. This step is not only about adhering to California’s legal requirements but also about protecting your legal and financial interests in the aftermath of the accident. It is always best to immediately report a car accident to the Police. Read on to understand why.
The Importance of a Police Report
A police report is a fundamental document in the aftermath of an accident. It provides an independent official account of the incident, including details like the time, location, involved parties, physical evidence, witness information and statements, insurance information, and the investigating officer’s opinion of who was at fault. This report is crucial for insurance claims as many insurers rely on it to process your claim effectively. Moreover, a police report can help establish the facts in any disputes about accident fault or liability. In hit and run accidents where you are injured and desire to seek compensation from your own auto policy, your insurer will require a police report.
Legal Requirements
In California, you are required to report any accident which results in any injury or death immediately to the California Highway Patrol or local police.
When You Should Definitely Call the Police
In some scenarios, it’s advisable to call the police regardless of whether it’s legally mandated or not:
Injuries or Significant Property Damage: Always call the police if anyone is injured or if there has been significant vehicle damage.
Disputes About Fault: If there’s a disagreement at the scene about who is at fault, police can take statements of the parties and talk to witnesses. In such instances, a police report can be invaluable in determining fault.
Impaired or Uncooperative Drivers: If you suspect the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if they refuse to exchange information with you, you should immediately call the police to come to the scene.
What to Do if the Police Do Not Arrive
There are times when, despite being called, the police may not arrive at the scene—often due to resource constraints or their policy regarding not responding to minor accidents. In such cases, you can visit the nearest police station to file an incident report yourself or utilize online report filing services if they are available in your area. Additionally, if someone is injured at the scene, the police will come out and make a report. So, it is a good idea when calling police to let them know someone is injured.
How a Police Report Affects Your Insurance Claim
Having a police report can significantly streamline the insurance claim process. It provides your insurance company with an official narrative and facts, reducing the likelihood of disputes and delays. Conversely, the absence of a police report can potentially complicate the claims process, especially when fault is contested by the other party.
Conclusion
While it may seem inconvenient at the time of the accident, calling the police after a car accident is always in your best interest. It creates an official record, helps with legal and insurance proceedings, and ensures that the facts of the accident are properly documented, which can make filing insurance claims much less complicated.
Reach Out- We Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need help understanding your rights or dealing with the aftermath, contact The Hassell Law Group at (415) 334-4111 or visit our website. Our legal team have over 100 years of combined legal experience and is ready to provide you with the car accident guidance and representation you need.
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The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or by contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.
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