If you get into a minor car accident on your way to work or while running errands, you may just want to exchange information with the other motorist and be on your way. When you fail to take certain steps following a collision, though, you compromise your ability to recover compensation for any damages you incurred.
You are not 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; however, if anyone sustained injuries, you should call 911 immediately, and even if nobody appears to be injured, it is still a good idea to contact law enforcement so an officer can create an accident report.
The other motorist may try to convince you to leave the police out of it, especially if it is obvious that he or she is at-fault, but the accident report will be a crucial piece of evidence if you file a claim and the other driver or the insurance company disputes liability.
If you were injured in a collision and you are worried about your financial future, contact The Heilman Law Group. If another driver caused your injuries, you should not have to pay for 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, the police will divert traffic while you exchange information with the other motorist and gather evidence 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.
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.
It is important to remember that some car accident injuries do not manifest symptoms immediately, and a brain injury may not be apparent to the victim. This is why 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. A fast diagnosis may improve the outcome of your treatment, and if you forego the medical evaluation, the at-fault driver or the insurance company might 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 The Heilman Law Group. Call 601-914-1025 today to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi by visiting usattorneys.com/car-accident/mississippi.
