Should You Call The Police In A Fender Bender?

Not all car crashes cause major injuries and property damage. Drivers can get into fender benders with little obvious damage or harm. In this scenario, both drivers might agree to exchange insurance information and contact details but don’t call the police. However, not calling the police even after a seemingly minor fender bender could hurt one of the driver’s potential claims. It could also be unlawful.

You Are Legally Required To Report Car Accidents In Connecticut

People who get into a car accident in Connecticut must report it to the police – even fender benders where only minor damage to the vehicle occurs. A simple call to 911 will notify the appropriate law enforcement officers. After calling the police, the drivers involved in the crash must also exchange contact and insurance details with each other.

Individual counties and cities may have additional rules for reporting motor vehicle accidents. Failing to follow the accident reporting requirements may lead to the driver getting a ticket and losing their driving privileges. Put simply, people involved in any car accident in Connecticut must always contact the police.

Failure To Call The Police After A Fender Bender Can Hurt Your Claim

Drivers who experience fender benders usually decide to just go their separate ways. However, because they are not mechanics, they are unsure whether their car is severely damaged. For instance, what if the frame is bent? They will not know because they can’t see it.

It is also possible for seemingly minor dings or dents to turn into serious damage later. If the driver finds they need to repair the damage later, they might not convince the at-fault driver’s insurance provider to cover it. The insurer will argue the driver is attempting to get compensation for car damage from before the crash. Without an official police report, recovering money from the at-fault driver’s insurer would be very difficult.

In addition, the driver may feel fine after the accident but then develops symptoms several hours or a day or two after the crash. The impact of a rear-end crash can be sufficient to damage the neck, which could lead to whiplash and other injuries to the back, shoulder, or spine. When this happens, the at-fault driver’s insurer will also dispute the driver’s injuries because they didn’t bother to call the police or seek medical attention after the fender bender.

Get Legal Guidance From A Seasoned Suffield Roadside Lawyer Now

Even minor fender benders can result in significant physical and financial issues. The injured party may need to seek medical treatment, make car repairs, and file a claim with the liable party’s insurer to recoup compensation to cover their losses. If you have been in a car crash recently and failed to notify the police or file an accident report, contact the Suffield roadside lawyer at Berman & Russo today.

They can review your case in a free consultation and discuss your options. Contact a Suffield roadside lawyer online or by phone at 860-644-1548.