Do I Need to File a Police Report After Even a Minor Car Accident?

 Posted on May 17, 2023 in Car Accident

Being injured in a car accident that was not your fault is amongst the most unpleasant experiences someone will ever have to endure, even in cases where the accident is relatively minor. In some cases, the drivers may be tempted to simply exchange insurance information and move on without involving the police. However, it is important to understand that filing a police report after a car accident, even a minor accident, can protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve through a personal injury claim. Contact a personal injury attorney to begin the personal injury claims process.

Why Filing a Police Report is Essential

Here are a few reasons why filing a police report is so important, including:

• Documentation – One of the most important reasons to file a police report is that it provides an official record of the accident. This record can be critical for filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action later on. Without a police report, proving what happened in the accident and who was at fault can be more challenging.
• Liability – In some cases, drivers may agree to exchange insurance information and move on without calling the police. However, without a police report, establishing who was at fault can be difficult to determine. This can be particularly important if the other driver later changes their story or tries to deny responsibility for the accident.
• Injuries – As we wrote in a recent blog, even if the accident seems minor at the time, injuries can sometimes develop later on. If you do not file a police report, it can be more difficult to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident. This can make receiving compensation through a personal injury claim more challenging.
• Hit-and-run accidents – Of course, in a hit-and-run accident, filing a police report is absolutely imperative. Calling the police and filing a police report can help ensure that the driver is held accountable and can also provide important information for your insurance claim.

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney

Please do not make the mistake of not filing a police report after your car accident, as it can significantly hinder the chance of receiving the compensation you may be entitled to. For additional information, contact the skilled Larimer County car accident lawyer with Hoggatt Law Office, P.C.. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Source - https://www.thebalancemoney.com/your-car-accident-and-the-police-2645863