Should You Call the Police for a Fender Bender?

Yes, you should call the police for a fender bender. Err on the side of caution even if your auto accident seems minor and no one involved in it appears to have suffered injuries. This allows you to report the accident to police officers who will prepare a report detailing it. Meanwhile, you can use your accident report as evidence if you file an auto insurance claim or lawsuit.

After you call the police for your fender bender, speak with a Raleigh car accident lawyer. This is an opportunity to find out if you have grounds for seeking compensation from any liable parties. If someone else is to blame for your fender bender, your lawyer can help you get compensation from them for your accident losses.

Why Should You Call the Police for a Fender Bender in North Carolina?

When you report a Raleigh car accident to the police, you start the process of creating an official record for the incident. Police officers can collect information from you and other parties involved in your fender bender. Soon after, you can access a police report that serves as a valuable piece of evidence if you submit a car accident insurance claim or lawsuit.

Calling the police when you’re at the scene of a fender bender will allow you to receive medical attention right away. Medical professionals can evaluate and treat your accident injuries. If warranted, they can bring you to a hospital for further care.

Additionally, you are legally required to report a fender bender in North Carolina if anyone was injured or killed or if property damage from the incident exceeds $1,000. If you don’t report your accident when you’re supposed to do so, you can face legal and criminal consequences, including fines, a jail sentence, and the suspension of your driver’s license.

When Should You Contact the Police for a Fender Bender?

Ideally, you should call the police for help at the scene of your fender bender. Minutes later, police officers and medical personnel will arrive to assist you and others involved in your accident. Within about a week of your accident, you can access your police report, which includes specifics about the incident.

Contact the police for your fender bender if anyone involved in the accident is hurt or killed. Also, you should call the police if there’s property damage. Remember, if you don’t report an auto crash in which there’s over $1,000 in property damage or anyone involved is injured or dies, you can be punished for your actions.

After you notify the police about your fender bender, contact your auto insurance company. North Carolina motorists are subject to the state’s car insurance requirements. With these, drivers who live in the state are required to have at-fault auto insurance. If another motorist is liable for your accident, their insurance company could cover your losses.

What Will Happen if You Don’t Call the Police?

Ultimately, your fender bender counts as an accident. If you don’t report the accident to the police, another motorist involved in the incident may do so. This driver could blame you for the accident and claim that it was a hit-and-run. As a result, you or your auto insurer could be held responsible for any losses that this motorist incurred in the accident.

Not calling the police following a fender bender where there’s significant property damage, injuries, or fatalities can result in legal and criminal consequences. It can also make it tough for you to prove to your insurance company that you’re not at fault for the incident. Or, if you want to sue a motorist for damages, your decision not to contact the police can weaken your case.

Consult with a car accident attorney if you’re not sure about whether to call the police for your fender bender. Your lawyer will handle your case with wholehearted care. They will share FAQs and other legal resources with you. Plus, your attorney will advise you on the steps to take to report your accident to the police.

The Bottom Line on Whether You Should Call the Police for a North Carolina Fender Bender

It can be embarrassing to get into a fender bender. Regardless, it is in your best interests to contact the police immediately after your accident. Police officers can collect information about your fender bender and put together an accident report, which can help you if you proceed with an insurance claim or lawsuit.

At Whitley Law Firm, we answer the call for our clients. Our compassionate and responsive legal team has over 120 years of combined experience in auto accident cases and many others. We can pursue compensatory damages from anyone liable for your fender bender while you focus on your accident recovery. Contact us to learn more and get started on your case.