If you get into an accident that seems very minor, you may consider not calling the police and filing a report. Many people choose to do this if the damage is not too bad and there are no major injuries. However, it is never good o do this. Here are some reasons why you should always report a car accident, no matter how minor it may seem.
You Have No Guarantee of Payment
If you were the person who was hit by another driver, he or she is going to be the responsible party when it is time to pay for your damages. If you do not call the police to report the accident, you can attempt to work out a deal on your own for the other party to pay you.
However, there will be no proof that you were the person who was hit. Also, the other driver will have no legal obligation to pay you. Whether the other driver offers to file a claim with his or her insurance company or promises to pay in cash, there is nothing legally requiring the driver to do so.
Even worse, the other driver could turn on you and claim you actually hit their car. This can turn into a major battle that could end up in small claims court. None of this will happen if you properly report your car accident.
You Could Be Injured After the Fact
Minor accidents do not typically result in major injuries. In fact, many people can get out of the car afterward and walk around without issue. This is a reason why many people assume there are no injuries and therefore do not need to file a police report.
Unfortunately, many injuries will not surface until hours later. If your car was hit by another person, and you had filed a police report, he or she would be financially responsible for your injuries and subsequent treatment. However, if you choose not to file a police report, you will have to pay for your injuries yourself, which could be very costly.
You Could Be Breaking the Law
In some states, it is against the law to not file a police report. For instance, some states require a police report if there are injuries, if there are any drugs or alcohol involved, or if the damage to property exceeds a certain amount. When in doubt, call the police, particularly if any of these examples are involved.
If you have been involved in a car accident, contact an accident law office such as Kaston & Aberle to discuss your options.
