Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident

Are you are wondering, “Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident?” You’re not alone. Many people are confused when they should report an accident to the police.

This article will explain when it is appropriate to call the police after an accident and clear up any questions you may have on the subject.

Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident?

It is always better to be on the safe side. If you are not sure whether to call the police after an accident it is better to give them a call than wish you had called later on.

Many police departments recommend that you call the police to report an accident even if there were no injuries and the accident seems minor.

It may seem like a lot of extra hustle to call the police to report an accident. It could take the police a while to respond to your call leaving you at the scene of the accident for a while.

While it may be tempting to put your faith in the other driver and trust that they will do as they say a police report can provide you with backup in case that person doesn’t follow through.

Your May be Required to Report the Accident

Every state has different laws governing what to do in an accident. Some states have laws that specifically outline when the police should be called to the scene of an auto accident.

If a person is injured in an auto accident you should call the police. If a cyclist was involved in the accident, you should call the police.

If a domestic animal is involved in an accident the police could help find the owner and let them know about the accident. Check with your state’s laws on when it is required for you to call the police after an accident.

They may provide a car accident checklist on what to do when you are involved in a crash.

If the Other Driver Doesn’t Cooperate

Many people also wonder what to do after a car accident if the other driver doesn’t cooperate. They may want to avoid calling the police and try to work things out without getting the police involved.

If you do not know the other drive it is difficult to tell what their real motives are behind trying to handle the accident without the police. If they were at fault for the accident they may be trying to act like they are playing nice to convenience you not to file a report.

Sometimes when no report is filed with the police the other driver could avoid all responsibility of the accident. Having a police report will back you up in case the other driver decides to take this route.

If you hire a car accident lawyer to help you if the other driver doesn’t cooperate your lawyer will need a copy of the police report.

Having a Police Report Always Helps

Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident? The answer depends on the situation. If you want to be on the safe side go ahead and call the police and file a report.

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