Do I Need to Call the Police Following an Accident in California?

If you are involved in an accident, there may be a lot of confusion surrounding what you should do next. For instance, if the other driver suggests exchanging information and leaving the police out of the situation, you may be enticed to agree and get on with your day, especially if you believe this is just a minor fender-bender. However, you should think twice before doing so. There are situations in which contacting law enforcement after an accident is legally required. Even if you are not required to call, the following blog explores why it is in your best interest to do so. This blog will explore why getting a report is critical and how our Irvine auto accident lawyers can help represent you during these difficult times.

When Am I Legally Required to Call the Police After an Accident?

In California, you must contact the police following a collision if any of the following occur:

• The driver responsible appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• There is substantial damage to a vehicle or property
• The vehicle(s) are blocking traffic 
• Someone has sustained injuries
• The other driver attempts to or successfully flees the scene

It is also recommended to contact the police following an accident if the other driver is uninsured, does not have a license, appears aggressive or confrontational, or the collision occurred in an area where you do not feel safe.

If you do not report the accident to police at the scene, you have 24 hours following the collision to file a report. However, it is always in your best interest to call the police to the scene, as they can collect pertinent information from the drivers involved and witnesses, direct traffic around the scene to prevent further damage, and conduct a preliminary investigation.

Why Should I Call?

Even if none of the aforementioned circumstances apply to the accident you were involved in, contacting the police to report the accident is usually in your best interest. If you and the other driver agree to handle the accident without police or insurance, you may later find that the other driver provided you with false information and no way to contact them for the compensation they promised. The other driver can easily deny involvement or responsibility if there is no official documentation of their presence at the accident scene. Having a report ensures you have the information to help support a claim if you choose to pursue one.

Additionally, if you wish to file a claim against the negligent party, having a police report is vital. The other party may claim that your injuries must not have been severe if you did not contact the police, which can drastically reduce the value of your claim.

As you can see, calling the police following an accident is incredibly important. In addition to law enforcement, you should also contact California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC. Our team can examine your circumstances to determine the best course of action. Contact us today to discuss your case with a member of our team.