Every year, about 200,000 vehicle accidents in California result in injuries and deaths. If you are involved in a significant vehicle accident, you must report it to the police. If no one else has previously called them to the scene, you must do so within 24 hours.
Failure to do so may result in criminal charges as well as a far weaker personal injury case (if you suffered injuries). You must inform the California DMV within ten days of an accident and your insurance provider within the time restrictions of your policy, in addition to filing a police report within 24 hours.
It is not simply important to report an automobile collision to the proper parties (police, insurance, DMV) for record-keeping purposes. It is also a stage that assists in the verification and strengthening of any personal injury claims.
Contact a car accident lawyer at Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas as soon as possible if you have been injured in a car accident and have questions about reporting it to the police. Continue reading to find out more about how to report automobile accidents to law police in California. Then call us at 909-982-0707.
When it is time to call the police following a mishap
Drivers engaged in incidents that result in injury or death must contact relevant law enforcement authorities to the site and file a police report within 24 hours, according to California vehicle accident rules.
Accidents that result in more than $1,000 in property damage or bodily injury must be reported to the DMV within ten days. Minor incidents that do not result in immediate injuries are not needed to be reported, although it is still a good idea to do so. Certain injuries (e.g., whiplash, back difficulties, etc.) may not be apparent for days, weeks, or months after the event.
If you do not submit a report, your vehicle accident lawyer will have a tough (if not impossible) time recovering personal injury damages.
Reporting car accidents to the police: some pointers
Regardless of the severity of the incident, most automobile accident lawyers advise making a police report as soon as possible. This is for two reasons: to shield oneself from criminal accountability and, if required, to prepare for a personal injury claim.
Do not be concerned about making a police report. Here are a few pointers to get you started. When speaking with the authorities or filing a report, never acknowledge fault. Keep your focus on the facts of the situation. As soon as possible, obtain a copy of the police report. Obtain the responding officer’s name and badge number. As soon as possible, contact an automobile accident lawyer.
Let us say you are in an automobile accident and do not make a police report. You will very certainly be unable to seek compensation for property damage or injuries in those circumstances. You might lose your driver’s license, face penalties, and perhaps go to jail.
Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas immediately for a free case consultation with a proven car accident attorney if you have been seriously injured in a car accident. You can reach us at 909-982-0707.
