What Happens If You Don’t Call The Police After A Fender Bender?
Even if your accident is only a fender bender, it’s much easier in the long run if you file a police report at the time of the accident. If the damage to your car or your injuries are more substantial than you first thought, a police report will help justify your claim. You might be surprised to learn that even a few scratches on a bumper can take a few days and a few thousand dollars to repair. Minor injuries could turn into major ones that require a lengthy recovery.
Another fact to consider is that leaving the scene of an accident without stopping is illegal in Hartford, CT. You could be criminally liable if you don’t stop and stay at the accident scene. However, a fender bender creates a gray area in the law. Two cars bumping into each other at low speeds in a parking lot isn’t necessarily considered an accident. You need to call the police anytime there is contact between your vehicle and another vehicle. It’s much better to protect yourself than wish you had down the road.
What If Neither Party Wants To Call The Police?
While it’s always best to call law enforcement to make a report of a motor vehicle accident, even in a fender bender, there may be situations in which neither of the drivers wants to involve the police. Depending on the severity, it may not be necessary.
Suppose you decide not to call the police. In that case, you should still talk to witnesses and obtain their contact information, as well as take photos of the damage to both vehicles. You should also exchange the following details with the other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Make, model, and year of the car
- License plate number
- Insurance carrier
- Insurance policy number
Unfortunately, some drivers will give you false information to avoid liability for one reason or another. To avoid this, ask the driver to show you their driver’s license and insurance card. This way, you can record the information from the official documents to ensure it is likely valid. Don’t rely on the honesty of the other driver.
Were You Involved In A Fender Bender And Didn’t Call The Police? Call Berman & Russo Today
At Berman & Russo, our experienced Hartford, CT, fender bender accident attorneys can help you seek compensation after a fender bender accident. Even if you didn’t call the police and there is no police report detailing the accident or subsequent damage to your vehicle, we can help gather evidence supporting your claim. In addition to any pictures, you took or witness info you obtained, there may be additional evidence, such as video footage or markings on the road, that we can use in your favor. The key is to contact us as soon as possible.
Call 860-644-1548 or contact us online to schedule a no-obligation case review today.
