Do I Need to Call the Police If the Car Accident was Minor?

Even if the collision was small, reporting it to the police is always a good idea in case an insurance claim needs to be made. Each state has its own laws that specify when you should call the police following a minor collision. Consult a local auto accident lawyer for clear guidance on what to do following a fender-bender or after swiping someone’s car mirror.

This article answers frequently asked concerns about minor collisions, such as what to do after a minor wreck, if it’s necessary to file an accident claim, how liability is established, and more. 

This advice will assist you in choosing your next course of action if you were in a small auto accident, as well as inform you on how an attorney from Zanes Law can help.

What Should I Do After a Small Auto Accident?

1. Health Check
2. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
3. Exchange Driver Information
4. Take Advantage of Free Legal Advice From a Minor Wreck Lawyer
5. File a Claim With the Insurance Company

How Long Can I Wait Before Filing a Car Accident Report?

Why Are Police Reports Important for Minor Car Accidents?

How Do I Get a Copy of a Police Report from a Car Accident?

Will I Get a Settlement For a Minor Car Wreck?

Want the Best Legal Advice Following a Small Car Wreck?

What Should I Do After a Small Auto Accident?

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No matter the severity of an accident, car accidents of any kind can be startling and overwhelming to handle immediately. Forbes and the car accident attorneys from Zanes Law agree that the following steps are more beneficial immediately following a minor accident.

• Health Check

Immediately following any collision, it is advisable to check for injuries. In the event of a minor accident, scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor is recommended – in case you suffer any personal injuries like whiplash, sprains, or a concussion. 

• Report the Accident to Law Enforcement

Most states require that you contact the police if the car accident:

• Causes personal injuries or lead to death
• Was caused by a driver that is under the influence
• Has now made the vehicles inoperable and they are unable to be removed from the road

For an automobile accident claim, a police report is necessary. Ensure you are filing the report properly by providing thorough and accurate information to have a strong case.

• Exchange Driver Information

Following an accident, all parties involved should trade license details, vehicle identification numbers, and insurance information. However, refrain from sharing specifics of the collision with other motorists. 

• Take Advantage of Free Legal Advice From a Minor Wreck Lawyer

You can seek the assistance of a qualified auto accident attorney during a free consultation. A minor wreck attorney can advise you on what to say to the insurance company if you are representing yourself, or you can retain them to handle all negotiations. 

• File a Claim With the Insurance Company

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When informing your insurance provider of the car accident, give the other driver’s name and insurance details. If the other driver is uninsured or your injuries are greater than the other driver’s insurance coverage limits, you might need to make a claim with your own insurer.

How Long Can I Wait Before Filing a Car Accident Report?

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It is recommended to call the police after a minor accident immediately. Still, state laws often vary regarding how long you can wait to call the police after a car accident. A reputable car accident lawyer can explain state regulations regarding your accident. 

For filing a claim with insurance, you typically have two years from the date of your injuries to launch a lawsuit under Arizona law. 

Why Are Police Reports Important for Minor Car Accidents?

Police reports are critical because they assemble crucial information regarding the collision. Accident reports serve as the first source of evidence for collisions of any size and play a major role in establishing liability in a minor car wreck. Because some states are fault-based, the insurance companies will use the police report during the investigation to assign fault. 

How Do I Get a Copy of a Police Report from a Car Accident?

If you called 911 after a minor auto accident and submitted a report, you can get a copy from the local police department. Each state may have a different process for requesting accident reports. Typically, you can do this in person, via mail, or online. You might have to pay a small charge and wait until the details of your minor accident become public.

Will I Get a Settlement For a Minor Car Wreck?

Even if the property damage from a minor car wreck is minimal, it does not mean you didn’t suffer injuries from the impact. You may be awarded a settlement based on:

• Scarring
• Pain and suffering
• Aggravation of existing medical issues 
• Medical bills
• Additional costs related to the accident
• Short-term or long-term disability
• Lost Income

With the help of an auto accident lawyer, you can carefully examine your accident-related injuries to ascertain what kind of settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company will be fair.

Want the Best Legal Advice Following a Small Car Wreck?

As car accident attorneys, we advise each client on what to say when reporting a car accident, what evidence is needed, the settlement value of their car accident, and how long it may take for their minor accident claim to be settled. The best way to initiate a strong accident claim is to call the police in the event of any accident, even if it is minor. 

If you need more advice on what to do after a minor car accident – especially if it resulted in an injury – contact Zanes Law for a free consultation.

Call or text (866) 499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form

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