When a person is involved in a minor car accident, it is very common for them to not be sure if they should report the accident or not. The truth is that this is not always an easy question to answer. However, when you keep reading, you will learn some of the factors that should go into your decision. Remember that if you are injured in a car accident, it is worth contacting Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
You Should Always Report an Accident that Involves Injury
First, know that if anyone was injured in a car accident, it is required by California law that you report the accident to the police. You should also report it to the at-fault party’s insurance company, whether that is your insurance company or the company of the other driver. If the other driver did not stay at the scene, write down their license plate number and report this to the police.
You Should Always Report an Accident That Involves Property Damage of More Than $1000
Likewise, California law requires that if more than $1000 of damage was done, then you are required to report it to the police. Once again, you should also report it to the car insurance company of the at-fault driver. If the damage is estimated to be less than $1000, then you can decide if you would like to report it, though the other party is also free to do so.
Your Insurance Premiums Will Not Go Up if the Accident Was Not Your Fault
One of the most common reasons that a driver is worried about reporting a car accident is because they are worried that it will make their insurance premiums go up. They do not want to report an accident and receive $1,500 in insurance, only to pay $200 more per month for the next five years. The good news is that if the fault of the accident belongs to someone else, then your insurance premiums should not go up.
Contact an Attorney if You Are Not Sure What to Do
In the event that you do not know if the damage is more than $1,000, or you have suffered an injury, but you think it is too minor to mention, we suggest that you contact a personal injury attorney to determine what your legal options are. When you work with Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we can offer you a free legal consultation. Just call us at 909-982-0707 to get started.
