Being involved in a car crash can be a jarring and painful experience. Whether it is a minor collision or a crash that leaves substantial damage, it is often traumatic and overwhelming. Some people panic after being involved in an accident, unsure of what to do. While most people choose to call the police and find their assistance helpful, you are not required to do so after every car accident. For more information on your obligations after being involved in a car crash, continue reading and work with a Pike County, KY car accident lawyer.
Do I Have to Call the Police After Being in a Car Accident?
People often say one of the first things you should do after a car accident is dial 911. However, you are not legally obligated to call the police after every accident. Only under the following circumstances do you have to call the police and file a report by law.
- An individual was injured
- An individual was killed
- The crash resulted in more than $500 in property damage
If the above conditions do not apply then technically you are not required to inform the police about the accident. If they do, however, you must file the accident report with the Kentucky State Police within 10 days of the accident.
Should I Call the Police Anyway?
So what should you do if you and the other driver feel fine? Or if you only see a dent or a few scratches? If all parties involved agree that no one was injured and there is a negligible amount of damage you can simply exchange contact information and handle the situation between yourselves and your insurance providers. However, it may be worthwhile to file a report regardless of the severity of the crash.
Firstly, injuries do not always present themselves immediately after an accident. Even if you feel unharmed you could develop an issue or an injury could appear after the shock and adrenaline have worn off.
It is also difficult to estimate the cost of repairing damage to a vehicle. A seemingly minor dent or crack in a window may not seem important at the time, but auto shops and labor can be costly. You do not want to run the risk of failing to make a report only to later discover that your repairs exceed $500.
If an injury does reveal itself or your vehicle damage is worse than you suspected you may later decide to take legal action against the other driver. This may be challenging or impossible without a formal record of the crash. It is better to be safe than sorry so when in doubt, call the police and have a report filed. You never know if you will need it.
