A car crash is always an unwelcome surprise, but they\u2019re more common than you might think. According to statistics, there are 6 million<\/a> auto collisions every year in the United States. In the event of an accident, you already have to deal with property damage and insurance issues, but what about filing a police report?<\/p>\n If you or the other driver is injured, seek medical attention before doing anything else. If, on the other hand, the crash was minor and no injuries occurred, you might be tempted to skip reporting the accident to law enforcement. Plenty of drivers assume that swapping insurance information is enough if no one was hurt. However, attorneys recommend that you file a report, even when it isn\u2019t legally required. If you were the driver at fault, skipping this step could end up costing you.<\/p>\n Arizona law states that you must report an accident<\/a> to the relevant authorities if the crash caused death or bodily injury. Police in Arizona are required to complete a report of the crash within 24 hours of the investigation if the accident caused injuries, death, or over $2,000 worth of damage to the drivers or vehicles involved.<\/p>\n Why should you bother to file a report when you\u2019re in an accident that doesn\u2019t cause injuries or significant property damage? Having law enforcement record the details of the situation will protect you in case the other driver tries to misrepresent what happened. The police report from your accident will count as supporting evidence for your claim, which is especially important when you weren\u2019t at fault. If you don\u2019t file a police report, the insurance agency could argue that you didn\u2019t call for help, so the crash must not have been very serious.<\/p>\n With this additional information, you improve your chances of receiving compensation after getting into an accident caused by someone else\u2019s negligence. Even if the collision was your fault, the information in the police report will help during the insurance process. The report will include details about the parties involved, their insurance policies, and facts about the accident. If you don\u2019t file a police report, you might not be able to prove the crash occurred or identify the other party involved in the collision.<\/p>\n The best method for filing will depend on the specific county you\u2019re in, but common outlets include highway patrol, the local sheriff, or the closest police station. You might also be able to find an online reporting tool. However, if you\u2019re having trouble accessing any of these options, call 911 and they will help you figure out what to do. Emergency services and police will arrive at the scene. Then, the officers will investigate the crash to decide who was involved, how it happened, and which driver was at fault.<\/p>\n Most auto accident police reports will include:<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s best to report a car accident<\/a> immediately and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. If the accident caused injuries or death, you\u2019re legally required<\/a> to stop, remain at the scene, and provide \u201creasonable assistance\u201d to the other driver if necessary. When the police arrive, be as accurate as you can about the details of the situation. In some cases, you\u2019ll receive a copy of the police report before the officer leaves the scene of the accident. If you don\u2019t, ask the officer for their name and the report number.<\/p>\n If you need a copy of the report, you should be able to get it within days of your accident (for a small fee). You may call the police department or sheriff\u2019s office that responded to your crash or ask your attorney to help you obtain the report.<\/p>\n After a car crash, you\u2019ll have a lot to think about, but always put your physical health first. If needed, seek medical care immediately and get the treatment you need for your injuries. While you\u2019re recovering (physically and psychologically), your lawyer can start working to help you get compensation from the driver who was at fault. This can help you cover medical costs, wages lost from missing work, physical disfigurement, emotional distress, and more. Your attorney will use the information in the police report along with additional evidence to build you a strong case.<\/p>\n Experiencing a car crash can be a traumatic event, even if no one was hurt. Fortunately, most auto accidents don\u2019t cause death or injury, but you can still expect to deal with expensive property damage in most cases. At JacksonWhite, we understand the inconvenience you\u2019ll have to deal with following an accident. By enlisting our personal injury legal team, you\u2019ll reduce this burden by having qualified support on your side.<\/p>\n You may be able to receive financial compensation for auto repairs, lost wages, scars, future medical bills, car rental costs, and more. Coming to an agreement on a specific amount for damages is complicated and intimidating for many people. So, give us a call today to find out how we can assist you during this process.<\/p>\nWhen are You Required to File an Accident Report?<\/h4>\n
Why File a Police Report?<\/h4>\n
Steps for Filing a Police Report<\/h4>\n
\n
Do I Need to File a Police Report Right Away?<\/h4>\n
Receiving Compensation After an Accident<\/h4>\n
Get an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side<\/h4>\n