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Car accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. While many are minor incidents, others can reach court, leading to tedious legal proceedings.
Therefore, people should be prepared after any wreck. What should someone do after a collision? Is it necessary to file a police report?
Some drivers don't want to involve the police in minor car accidents, especially when it is only a fender bender.
However, failing to file a report can worsen a situation if there is property damage or someone is injured.
Moreover, although most investigating officers do not witness collisions, police reports are reliable sources of evidence to prove liability, as they describe important details found at the incident scene.
Here's a look at what can happen when there's no police report for a car accident.
What Does the Law Say?
Laws regarding police reports for car accidents vary from state to state.
While some require those involved to file a report if the incident results in fatal injuries or property damage, others demand drivers call the police immediately.
In Missouri, for example, drivers are required to report most crashes or other motor vehicle incidents. State laws say that those involved in car accidents should call the police as soon as possible if:
One or more individuals sustained injuries or died as a result of the accident
Damage to any person's property accounts for more than $500
The crash was into a damaged parked vehicle and the owner cannot be contacted
The insurance company requires the driver to report the accident to the police
Police reports also make it easier to account how many car accidents happen in St Louis.
Benefits of Reporting Car Accidents to the Police
Besides being a legal requirement in many circumstances, police reports are often used to file a claim at the at-fault party's insurer or prove liability.
In such cases, a police report can:
Validate a car accident
Prove that the accident occurred
Provide evidence about who was at fault or caused the accident
Provide details about property damages or injuries sustained by a driver or any other party
What Happens When Someone Fails to Report a Car Accident to the Police?
Many problems arise after the accident. While drivers often decide not to file a report because there is no apparent damage, some injuries manifest hours or days after the crash.
Also, the situation can worsen when both parties have different versions of the incident while talking to the insurance companies.
In other words, without a police report, a driver could be sued for damages to other vehicles or people even days after the accident.
If the case escalates, it will be one party's word against another, which could require greater efforts to collect evidence from other sources and prove liability. However, a police report could clarify what really happened.
Can Someone File a Car Insurance Claim Without a Police Report?
Car accident cases become more complex when there is no police report.
Some insurance companies question the credibility of a claim or the injuries when those involved in crashes or other incidents do not call the police. Many policies only give drivers 24 hours to file a report after an accident.
If the situation is not properly handled, affected parties could receive a low insurance payout.
Some insurers go to great lengths to deny or delay claims. Therefore, if there is no police report, drivers should seek other methods to prove their cases.
Can a Driver Be Sued for a Car Accident If There Is No Police Report?
Police reports can also save at-fault parties from potential car accident lawsuits.
While not calling the police does not mean that a driver cannot be sued, if there is no report, those affected must begin a tedious process to find other evidence if they plan to build a negligent driving case.
On another note, find out if accident reports are considered public record in Missouri.
What Can a Lawyer Do in Cases Involving Car Accidents Without a Police Report?
A police report is important, but it is not a deciding factor in car accident claims.
Experienced St Louis automobile accident attorneys could help victims gather enough evidence to file a claim, build a strong case, and fight for their legal rights even if they did not call the police.
Other evidence can prove negligence or establish the at-fault party in an automobile incident. Some are photos of the scene, proof of injuries, and witnesses.
Powell Law Firm's legal team can collect them, provide assistance to victims, and more!
Our car accident lawyers are ready to help those affected by others' negligence, carelessness, or wrongdoing. Get a free consultation today!