Do I Need to Call the Police After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a collision, you may be asking yourself, “Do I need to call the police after a car accident?” Jurisdiction and crash specifics determine whether a report is needed, and state laws vary significantly on this matter. Contact a local car accident lawyer to ensure the protection of your legal rights, including the right to financial compensation, from the very beginning. Insurance companies do not have claimants’ best interests at heart, often undervaluing and denying legitimate claims to protect their company’s bottom line. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced Charleston auto accident attorney now to ensure immediate legal protection and representation.
When Do I Need to Call the Police After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are stressful events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. While minor fender benders may not require police involvement, many scenarios necessitate contacting law enforcement to ensure your safety, protect your legal interests, and properly document the incident. These circumstances generally warrant the need, regardless of state jurisdiction:
- Potential Injuries: Any accident resulting in injuries, regardless of the severity, warrants immediate notification to the police. Medical professionals should evaluate even seemingly minor pain or discomfort, as symptoms may worsen hours or days after the incident. Law enforcement officers will create an official report documenting injuries, which becomes valuable documentation for your attorney navigating insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
- Property Damages: When significant vehicle damage or destruction of other property occurs, contacting the police helps establish an official record of the damages. Officers can accurately document the extent of property damage using photographs and measurements, providing neutral third-party verification that may prove invaluable during the insurance claim process.
- Intoxicated Drivers: If you suspect another driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contacting police immediately becomes a matter of public safety. Signs of intoxication might include slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, erratic driving before the collision, or visible open containers in their vehicle.
- Unlicensed Drivers: Discovering that another driver lacks a valid license or insurance requires police intervention to document the situation properly. Unlicensed drivers present significant liability issues that could complicate your ability to recover damages through normal insurance channels. Police documentation provides essential evidence for your insurance company and protects you from potential fraud.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: If a driver flees the scene without exchanging information, it is essential to notify the police immediately to begin an investigation into your hit-and-run crash. Police and your car accident attorney can review nearby surveillance footage and interview witnesses while the evidence remains fresh.
- Towing Needs: When vehicles cannot be safely driven from the scene due to extensive damage, police assistance facilitates proper roadway clearing and towing arrangements. Officers can coordinate with appropriate towing services, manage traffic around disabled vehicles, and ensure all parties have safe transportation from the accident scene.
Involving law enforcement after an accident provides an impartial third-party account of what occurred, which helps prevent disputes when your car accident lawyer negotiates insurance claims or legal proceedings. When in doubt about whether to involve the police, err on the side of caution and make the call.
Speak to an Experienced Charleston Car Accident Attorney Now
Don’t wait to seek legal representation following a collision. State jurisdiction and liability circumstances involving government entities determine statutes of limitations in these cases. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer from John Price Law Firm, LLC by calling 843-552-6011 or contacting us online to get started on your case today.