Motor vehicle collisions have been known to cause thousands of deaths in Alaska and a good number of non-fatal injuries. Having to call the police has been a great concern to many, especially when the accident is a fender-bender, and no one has suffered injuries. One of the issues of the main concerns is the reliability of police reports. Investigations of car accidents are always a task. The complex task means that the police may take time to investigate and complete the accident report as some reports may even be completed at the police station. In some cases, this has been said to affect these reports’ reliability as police rely on recalled memory. The main questions that arise here is “if the accident is a fender-bender one with no injuries, does one need to inform the police?”
Dealing with A Fender-Bender with No Injuries
If you have been involved in a car accident, the law states that you must inform the police officers. This should be done even if the accident was minor. No one knows how the case may turn out to be in the future. For instance, even if you were not at fault, the other driver may take a chance to sue you even after months have passed, and things may not turn out well. But if there is a police report, details can reveal how the accident happened and who the culprit could be. Informing the police about a car accident happening has many benefits. Some of them include:
- The police can control or minimize further dangers, such as controlling traffic.
- They also ensure that all road users involved are accounted for and safe from any injuries.
- Determine the cause of the accident
In some cases, police have been called and never turns up at the car accident scene. You will be advised to exchange the information with the other driver. In such a scenario, you have to make sure to collect the other driver information, which includes:
- The name, address, and contacts
- Name and policy number of their car insurance company
- The number plate of their car
Some drivers give false information. It would be better to ask for a copy of their driver’s license or insurance card. There are many ways you can verify whether the information you’re getting is correct. No matter how the accident seems minor, refrain from giving out any information to the other driver other than exchanging contact information. Besides, you should also watch out for what you say to the bystanders or witnesses. The specific information should only be given to the police officer or your lawyer. Any information you give may be included in the police report and it could be used against you. If the accident happens in FL, you can later access and review the Florida car accident report online. All you need is your car’s VIN, the incident’s date, and the ZIP code.
Will I Require A Car Accident Lawyer for The Minor Accident?
Another question that crops up in a minor accident is whether one needs a lawyer. While some take the answer to be no, it’s always good to consult car accident lawyer group. You may find out you still require to file a personal injury claim through the free case consultation. In some cases, victims have stayed for months later to find out they start experiencing some physical pains. When they visit the doctor and explain they were involved in an accident sometime back, the medical answers hit back, and one realizes the mistake he/she made. Remember, people, respond differently to impacts. The bottom line is that while some victims assume the legal matters when dealing with car accidents, it better to seek legal counsel. Getting legal advice from your initial consultation is advisable even if you don’t hire the lawyer. You will have an understanding of your rights and responsibilities.
Why Getting A Police Report Should Be A Cause of Concern?
In any minor accident, most victims don’t see the accident as a big deal. But this is always to the layman. There are so many underlying issues that may not be present at that moment. Therefore, calling the police would be the best course of action. With a police report, you can have:
- Official statement
- Official statement of credible witnesses
It’s not a wonder that most people complain of pain days, weeks, or months even after the accident. As long as any injuries are discovered within the statute of limitations, you may have the right to file a claim. The insurance company will also prefer to use the police report when determining the worth of your claim. When this happens, the only easier route is to hire a car accident lawyer to prove the loss caused by the car accident. Fighting the case alone may be tricky. With legal representation, you can be assured that the lawyer will fight for your legal rights.