The moments after a car accident are filled with many valid questions. Was it my fault? Who will pay for my damages? What should I say to the insurance company? Before you can answer any of these questions, it is important to remain calm and contact first responders. Review the need-to-know points for how to report an accident to the police so you can get through this difficult situation with confidence.
Should I Call the Police if I Get in a Car Accident?
The severity of a crash determines how soon an accident must be reported to the police. If an accident results in injury, death or significant property damage, you must call the police right away, regardless of fault. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution by calling the police even if nobody gets hurt. Here are the basic steps to take to report a car accident:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request police assistance.
- Provide Basic Information – Tell the dispatcher your location, number of vehicles involved, and if there are any injuries.
- Wait for Officers to Arrive – Stay at the scene and do not move your vehicle unless it’s unsafe.
- Give a Statement – Provide a truthful, factual account of what happened. Avoid admitting fault.
- Request a Copy of the Police Report – Ask the officer how to obtain a copy for your records.
The steps to take after a minor car accident are the same as with any other crash, although you may have more time to report it. Taking a minor car accident seriously is important because you can never know for sure if there are damages or injuries that you were unable to notice right away.
Can You File a Police Report if Someone Hits Your Car?
You can absolutely file a police report if someone hits your car, even if it happens while you are not in the vehicle. If you need to know how to report a car accident, call 911 immediately after the crash or start a crash report with your state’s Department of Transportation.
After reporting a crash, the authorities will generate a police report that you can use as evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim against the other driver. You can request a police report by following the instructions provided by your local police department or by relying on your personal injury attorney to retrieve the documents on your behalf.
How Do You Get Compensation for a Car Accident?
When another person causes you to suffer injuries or property damage in a car accident, you can seek compensation from their auto insurance company. Most car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations outside of court, but you also have the option to sue for a car accident if negotiations do not lead to a favorable outcome.
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the evidence supporting your case. Thorough medical records and a favorable police report can help you maximize the damages you recover. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can support your case if the other driver disputes what happened. If there are errors within the police report, it can harm your case, so you must act swiftly to change a faulty police report.
Sargon Law Group Can Represent You After an Accident
Knowing how to report an accident to the police is just the first of many concerns to address after a crash. At Sargon Law Group, our car accident attorneys believe you should have as few concerns as possible while you focus on resting and recovering.
That is why we handle every aspect of personal injury cases for people across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California. Contact us today to learn more about our services through a free consultation.