Calling The Police After Your Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident is a shocking experience and many accident victims find themselves frozen, or unsure of what to do next. One of the first steps that a person should take after an accident, after ensuring that all of the parties have received medical care, is calling the police. There are a number of benefits to calling law enforcement after an accident. It is, for instance, one of the best ways to ensure that anyone who is hurt and requires emergency aid, receives it. It can also, however, play a key role in helping establish liability for the accident down the road. Whether or not you called the police after your own accident, you could benefit from the help of a team of experienced Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyers, who can help you navigate the insurance claims and legal processes.
Reporting the Accident
Although many people don’t realize it, Florida law actually requires accident victims to report their collisions if:
- The collision results in an;
- The accident resulted in a death; or
- The damage sustained by any vehicle amounts to $500 or more.
Failing to report an accident if one or more of these requirements has been met can result in a traffic citation. It can also, however, have more far-reaching consequences, like making it harder to establish fault for the crash.
Benefits of Calling the Police
There are a number of benefits to calling 911 after a car accident, especially for those who later need to prove fault for the crash. For instance, when the police respond to a car accident scene, they take statements from the parties involved. They will also note the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur and may even take their statements at the scene. This information can then be used by insurers to help determine who actually caused the accident. Some insurers even require a police report before they will investigate a claim. Law enforcement officers can also help the parties receive emergency medical care.
What to do While You Wait for the Police
There are usually a few minutes between when a person calls the police and when law enrichment actually arrives. During this time, accident victims can take a few steps to help support a later claim, such as taking photos of the vehicles and the accident scene itself, including any street signs, road debris, property damage, and even physical injuries. If not too badly injured, motorists can also attempt to gather the names and contact information of the parties involved. It’s also important to take note of any witnesses who may have seen the accident happen and who can later help provide proof of fault.
Schedule a Free Case Review Today
To get started on your own insurance claim, or personal injury lawsuit, following a car accident, call 954-566-9919 and set up a free consultation with one of the dedicated Florida car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis today. You can also reach us via online message.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.066.html
