Should I File a Police Report After a Car Accident?
With the recent rise in car accidents, it is important to file a police report after any collision that you are involved in.
Most people don’t know this, and many accidents go unreported. This risks your safety and can give law enforcement more information about the accident. In some cases, filing a police report can result in criminal charges against the other driver, putting the person at fault under investigation and possible prosecution.
Here are four reasons why you should file a police report after a car accident:
- You have a legal duty to report the accident.
You have a legal duty to report a car accident that results in injury or damage to another person’s property if you are involved or observe the accident. This is known as the “Duty of Care.”
Even if you are not injured, or you see an accident but do not get involved, your presence at the scene will help the officer who is investigating to collect witness statements and information from other drivers, bystanders, and people involved in the accident. The first step in getting compensation for any injuries you receive from this collision is filing a police report.
- You can get compensation for any injuries you suffered in the accident.
The legal system is based on evidence and witnesses. Although it may be difficult to obtain a high settlement amount or judgment, you could still receive compensation for any injuries you suffered. If the other driver does not have insurance, your own insurance company can pay your medical bills and compensate you for the loss of income during the time you cannot work due to your injuries.
- The insurance company may not pay for the accident.
It is always better to file a report with the police and let them handle it, even if you are an at-fault driver. If you do not file a report, there is a possibility that your insurance company may not pay for any damage done in the accident. If they do not pay, you could find yourself stuck with paying out-of-pocket or fighting with the other driver’s attorney over who should pay what amount due to their negligence.
- The police can gain insight into who was responsible for the accident.
If you were at fault in your car accident, you would want to file a police report. This could help determine if it was a hit-and-run accident or intentional damage to another’s property. It gives the officer at the scene valuable information that may help them determine who is responsible for causing the damage and why they did so. The first step in getting compensation for any injuries you receive is filing a police report.
Conclusion
Do not hesitate to contact a lawyer if you have been in an accident. They will help you file a report that easily lets you get compensated for any medical bills or other losses. Hiring a local car accident lawyer is the secure way to get you through legal hearings.
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