Car accidents are overwhelming experiences, whether it’s a minor fender bender or something more severe. During the confusion, one question that often arises is: should you call the police? While it can feel like a lot to deal with in the moment, understanding when and why it’s important to involve the police can save you a lot of headaches later. Let’s break down the factors that determine whether or not you need to call the police after a car accident.
Do You Have to Call the Police After an Accident?
In most situations, calling the police after an accident is not just recommended—it’s often required. While every accident is unique, police involvement is crucial in documenting the event and ensuring all parties follow the law.
Most states mandate that the police be contacted after any accident involving injury or significant damage. Without a police report, proving fault or filing insurance claims can be far more complicated, leaving you vulnerable to potential disputes. Even in minor accidents, calling the police can provide you with an official record that might protect you later on.
Common scenarios where calling the police is necessary:
- Injuries (even minor ones)
- Significant vehicle or property damage
- Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists
- Accidents occurring on public roads or intersections
- Disputes between drivers about fault or what happened
Learn more about What To Do After an Accident
When It’s Not Necessary to Call the Police After an Accident
There are times when calling the police may not be required. For example, some minor accidents with minimal damage, no injuries, and both parties agreeing on what happened, might not need police involvement. Many states have specific thresholds for when an accident must be reported to the authorities, often based on the level of damage or whether anyone was hurt.
It’s always important to check your state’s specific guidelines, as they can vary significantly. However, even in these cases, documenting the scene and exchanging information with the other driver is still essential. You’ll also need to report the incident to your insurance company, as this could impact any future claims.
Examples of accidents where police may not be required:
- Fender benders with no injuries
- Minor accidents in private parking lots
- Incidents involving damage below a certain dollar amount (which varies by state)
What Happens If You Don’t Call the Cops After an Accident?
If you choose not to call the police, especially in situations where it’s required, you may be risking significant consequences. Without an official police report, proving fault becomes difficult, and insurance companies may not honor your claim. The police provide neutral documentation of the event, which can help resolve disputes between parties and provide a reliable source of evidence should the situation escalate.
In addition to complications with insurance, failing to report an accident could lead to legal issues, especially if there were injuries, significant damage, or if state laws mandate police involvement. In some cases, drivers can face fines or penalties for not reporting an accident.
Consequences of not calling the police:
- Difficulty proving fault in disputes
- Insurance companies may deny claims
- Legal repercussions, including fines
- Increased financial liability for damages
Do I Call My Insurance After an Accident Without Police Involvement?
Even if the police don’t get involved in your accident, you’ll still need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. In fact, most insurance companies require that any accident, regardless of police involvement, be reported promptly. Failing to do so could invalidate your coverage or make it harder to file a claim later on.
When you don’t have a police report, it’s even more critical to document the scene thoroughly. Take photos of the damage, collect witness information, and exchange contact details and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to note the time, date, and location of the accident. All of this will help your insurance company assess the situation and process your claim.
Steps to take for insurance claims:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved, including damage
- Exchange information with the other driver (name, insurance, contact info)
- Gather witness contact information
- Write down details such as the date, time, and location of the accident
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
Steps to Take If the Police Can’t Come to the Accident Scene
Sometimes, the police may be unavailable or unable to come to the scene of a minor accident. This can happen if the accident is in a private parking lot, or if there are no injuries or immediate threats to public safety. In these cases, you’ll need to take extra care to document everything yourself.
Even if the police don’t come to the scene, you may still be required to file a police report later, especially if your state mandates it. Visit your local police station or file a report online, depending on your jurisdiction’s process.
Steps to follow if police can’t come:
- Take detailed photos of all damage and the overall scene
- Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with the other driver
- Look for witnesses and gather their contact information
- File a police report at the nearest station or online
- Notify your insurance company immediately
How AICA Orthopedics Can Help After an Accident
After a car accident, your priority should always be your health. Whether you’ve experienced whiplash, back pain, or other soft tissue injuries, AICA Orthopedics is here to help. Our team of skilled specialists understands the complexities of car accident injuries and provides personalized treatment to get you back on your feet.
Beyond medical care, we also assist with the insurance process, ensuring you have the proper documentation needed to support your claims. Our goal is to not only help you heal but to make the entire post-accident process as smooth as possible. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t wait—find the nearest AICA Orthopedics today for comprehensive care and support.
