
Can You Sue For A Car Accident Claim Without A Police Report?
Nobody likes dealing with the police. When you get into a car accident, you may want to negotiate with the other driver and get it done without involving the police. However, this could cost you in the long run. If you do not call the police at the accident scene, you won’t be able to produce a police report, which is an important piece of evidence in car accident cases.
Even though you do not necessarily need a police report to sue the other party, it helps significantly prove your claim. The more proof you have, the better chances you have of winning the case and receiving better compensation. If you do not have a police report or do not know how to obtain one, speak to a lawyer to learn more.
Is It Mandatory To Call The Police After A Car Accident?
Virginia law requires every person who experiences a car accident to report the accident to law enforcement authorities. It is mandatory to do so and considered a misdemeanor if the involved parties willfully choose not to make the report.
What Happens If You Do Not Call The Police?
Even though you are required to report your car accident to the police within 24 hours of it happening in Atlanta, it is not a criterion to file an insurance claim. You can still file a car accident claim with the other party’s insurance company and request compensation if you do not have a police report to back it up. However, you will likely have a hard time proving your claim.
The police report serves as evidence that the alleged car accident indeed took place at the said location and time and between the said parties. Without the report, the other party can easily claim that no such accident occurred, which means more evidence-gathering work for you and your attorney.
There is also a chance that the insurance claim process requires you to file a police report before beginning the claim.
What If The Police Do Not Come To The Accident Scene?
If the police do not respond to your call and come to the accident scene, you can go to the nearest station and file a report. Make sure you gather as much evidence and information from the accident scene as possible before you do so. Note the date, time, and location of the accident and information about the parties involved.
Some important pieces of evidence include:
- Pictures and videos
- Witness statements
- A detailed account of the accident