Whether an accident happens in a parking lot, an intersection, or on a highway, many people get in car collisions every day. While there are situations where it’s clear that you need to call 911, accidents where everyone seems fine may be a bit more confusing. There can be an instance where the collision doesn’t seem that bad, none of the parties involved believe to have any major injuries and are willing to exchange important information so everyone can report back to the insurance companies.
But this decision may make your claims process slower or more difficult to prove that you’re not at fault for the accident. In these cases, you may not know what to do next. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are people who can help you with your claim. A West Virginia car accident injury lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will fight for your rights and hold the correct party responsible for their actions.
A Car Accident Claim Without a Police Report
After a car accident, there may be an instance where you and the other party don’t think calling the police is necessary. No police report is made and the whole thing passes like it never happened— but that’s not necessarily true.
The accident still happened regardless of whether or not there’s a police report of it. You can still file a claim to get compensation. But the other party may also say that you were partially responsible for the crash even if you weren’t. There may be discrepancies between your accounts of what happened. While a police report may have an account from an eyewitness or speaking to a police officer led to more honesty, it isn’t the one thing you need for a successful car accident claim.
Unfortunately, car accident reports may provide some clarity on what happened. Without one, the situation can turn into a he-said she-said ordeal. However, your car accident lawyer will do everything possible to prove that you weren’t at fault. We will return to the scene of the accident and see if there’s any evidence we can find. Photographs of the site where the accident happened can help. We may also discover that the accident was caught on video or find an eyewitness who saw the accident happen.
It’s also a good idea to call the police after an accident just in case. After a crash, your body is full of adrenaline and is likely reacting to shock. You may think you’re feeling fine, when your body is masking what you’re feeling. If you start experiencing pain after the crash, you’ll be glad you have that police report because it will likely contain information about the extent of injuries, damages, and who is likely to be at fault for the accident.
When to File a Police Report
There are situations where you should file a police report. If anyone was injured or significant property damage occurred, you need to contact the police. They will speak to the people on the scene and any eyewitnesses to get the facts and try to piece together what happened. Their report will also help speed up the claims process.
If you’re talking to the police, it’s important to only give them the facts. Filling in information or guessing on details can provide a false picture of what happened and be used against you to show that you’re not a reliable witness to speak to. This could potentially hurt your compensation and result in you getting less than full compensation.
When you’re injured in an accident, your injuries could possibly put you in the hospital and require surgeries, tests, and medication for your recovery. If you’re missing work on top of this, you’re probably concerned about your financial situation and what the future holds. With our help, we can possibly help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you have any questions or want to get started on your case, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to give you the help you need.
