If you get into a minor car accident on your way to work or while running errands, you may feel like you don’t have time for the hassle and simply want to exchange information with the other motorist so that you can be on your way. If you fail to take certain steps following a collision, though, you may compromise your ability to recover compensation for some or all of the damages you sustained.
While you are not always required to call the police or report the accident if you and all other parties involved agree on the circumstances of the collision and liability, relying on the word of a stranger who has just negligently caused a motor vehicle accident is extremely risky. Also, if anyone sustained injuries in the accident, you should call 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be injured, it nevertheless is a good idea to contact law enforcement so an officer can create an accident report and document the evidence at the scene of the collision.
Often times, the other motorist may try to convince you to leave the police out of it, especially if he or she obviously is at-fault, but insisting that an accident report be made by law enforcement will preserve crucial pieces of evidence in the event you file a claim for your injuries and the other driver or his or her insurance company disputes liability.
If you were injured in a collision are worried about your financial future, contact Heilman Law Group. If another driver caused your injuries, you should not be required to pay for your medical bills, lost income, or vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney in Jackson.
Why Should I Call the Police Following a Collision?
There are several reasons why you should call the police after a car accident, even if the damages appear to be minor. Beyond creating the accident report to preserve all existing evidence, the police will divert traffic while you exchange information with the other motorist and evidence is gathered at the scene.
As the Insurance Information Institute explains, if an officer does not create an accident report, it might be difficult for you to prove negligence and liability in a future lawsuit.
The accident report will contain important details about the cause of your collision, as well as the time, date, location, and whether there were serious injuries or property damage. If your collision occurred because the other driver broke a traffic law, that information should be in the report, as well. The accident report also will document the names of witnesses to the accident.
It is important to remember that some car accident injuries do not manifest symptoms immediately, and a brain injury, in particular, may not be apparent to the victim. It is important to call the police even if you do not feel injured.
If emergency medical responders do not attend the scene, visit your doctor immediately after you leave the scene of the accident. A fast diagnosis may improve the outcome of your treatment, and if you forego the medical evaluation, the negligent driver or his or her insurance company might later argue that your own negligence contributed to the severity of your injury or that your injury was caused by something else.
If you would like to discuss your case with an accident law attorney in Jackson, contact Heilman Law Group at 601-914-1025 today to schedule a free consultation. You can learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi by visiting usattorneys.com/car-accident/mississippi.
