Road accidents cause over 1.2 million deaths worldwide. It causes even more non-fatal injuries. Police reports of road accidents are the main source of data when determining the extent and number of accidents. How long do you have to file a police report after a car accident? There is no specific answer. However, you should try to do it as soon as possible. The law only requires you to report certain types of accidents.
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After a Car Accident?
If you bump into your neighbor’s car at the parking lot and scratch it a little, you are under no legal obligation to report it. Your insurance company will take care of the problem. If, however, you get into an accident that causes serious injury, property damage, or death, you have to report to the police.
Reporting a Car Accident
You don’t need to report to the police if they have already visited the accident scene and documented it. You are only obligated to report the accident if the cost of the damages is over $500. You may also file your report online and print it out. Submit it to the nearest police station.
Provide the police with as much information as you can. Some of the important details to include are; a description of the vehicles that were in the accident, the date and location of the accident, your insurance details, and the contact information of the involved parties. You may also include the accounts of witnesses.
If you do not own the vehicle that was in the accident, the owner can help you file a police report. Write down all the important details of the accident. If the owner does not have all the relevant details, it may be difficult to get compensation. Work with a lawyer during the entire process. They will help you understand what to expect in court for a car accident.
Why You Should File a Police Report
Failure to file a police report is a non-criminal traffic violation. You may need to do a few hours of community service. File a police report even if you do not have to do it. The main purpose of a police report is to have a record of the accident on file. Sometimes, injury takes a few days to manifest.
Without a police report, it may be difficult to connect an injury to the accident. If your injuries manifest after the accident, get the help of a car accident attorney. They will help you seek compensation and understand what to expect in court for a car accident.
If you choose to file a claim, do it within four years. Your insurance can’t compensate you without a police report. You may have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket. If you are looking for a personal injury and criminal defense attorney in Texas, contact the Law Office of Robert Littlefield Buford III. We deliver efficient trial representation at fair prices.
