While being in a car accident is never something that people want to experience, what can often make people feel even more uncomfortable is having to deal with the other driver involved, their insurance company, and the police immediately after being in this stressful and potentially dangerous situation.
Luckily, with the right knowledge and forethought, you can have a positive experience when working together with the police after a car accident has taken place. To show you how this can be the case for you, here are three tips for dealing with the police after being in a car accident.
Always Call the Police
Whenever you get in a car accident, whether it’s a big collision or just a small fender-bender, it’s always a good idea to call the police to report your accident.
According to David Gougen, a contributor to Nolo.com, calling the police after any type of car accident will ensure that you get any emergency medical care that might be needed, that you and those around you are protected from other traffic in the area, and that any necessary investigation or documentation is done properly.
Be aware, however, that the police may choose not to come to the scene of the accident. So if you really think they need to be there, make sure you make this apparent when you call them.
Ask if the Police Are Filing a Report
When the police arrive at the scene of your accident, you should ask them if they’re planning to file a report on what took place. According to FindLaw.com, many busy metropolitan police departments won’t file an accident report unless there are injuries.
If this is the case with your car accident, you always have the option of filing your own report with the DMV. Especially if you are going to have to involve lawyers or your insurance company, this could be the smartest way to ensure that your statement and evidence are taken down appropriately.
Get the Contact Info of the Officers
Once everything at the scene of the accident is getting wrapped up, Mila Araujo, a contributor to The Balance, advises that you make sure to get the contract information from the officers who showed up at the scene.
By doing this, not only will you be able to know who to contact in order to get a copy of any official report that gets filed by the police department, but you’ll also have someone you can contact if you have any questions or recall additional details later on.
If you’re worried about interacting with the police after being in a car accident, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know what to do and how to act.
Image Credits: Michael Jin
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