Reporting a Raleigh Car Accident to the Police
If you are involved in a car accident, it is imperative you take the right steps to ensure your crash is reported to the police. If you fail to report your accident to the police, not only can you land in trouble with the law, you may also be unable to get the compensation you deserve from the insurance company.
Once Raleigh police arrives, they would compile an accident report that could be used in court. This report is important for the filing of an injury claim, and you will need to cooperate if you want the report to be accurate and useful. To learn more, or if you have suffered injuries in an auto wreck, schedule a free consultation today.
Importance of Contacting Raleigh Law Enforcement
Immediately after an accident, motorists should check to see if anyone is injured. If anyone is injured or suspects they may be injured, they should contact 911 for medical assistance. Motorists are allowed to provide reasonable assistance to injured parties as long as they do not intentionally harm them.
If the motorist themselves is injured and must go to the hospital, they should report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Failing to properly report a car accident to law enforcement may also result in a $100 fine in North Carolina.
Exchanging Information After a Crash
If no one is severely injured, drivers should exchange contact and registration information. Motorists must do this if the other driver or passengers request it, but it is not necessary if they do not.
The responding law enforcement officer may collect any relevant information from both parties, including the information on insurance cards. Drivers should always fully cooperate with the police, but they should only provide basic facts about the crash and never admit fault.
What Happens After a Police Report is Filed?
Drivers must stay at the scene of the accident until they are dismissed by the police. Once they are dismissed, they should reach out to their insurance company at their earliest convenience. Some drivers may have the option to file online. When speaking with a representative or filing online. Drivers may be asked to provide:
- Their full name
- Insurance policy number
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- License plate numbers of all drivers involved in the accident
- Basic description of the accident
When interacting with the insurance company, drivers should only provide basic details without saying who caused the accident. They may also provide information about any injuries they may have sustained.
Insurance Settlements
After reporting a auto wreck to the insurance company, drivers should refrain from accepting a quick offer from the insurance company. Settlement amounts may not be enough to cover all accident-related expenses incurred by the driver. If the driver accepts the offer, they would not be able to request any additional compensation or continue with an injury claim. Before speaking with the insurance company, drivers are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney.
Be Honest When Reporting a Raleigh Car Accident to the Police
Suffering an auto accident could be a frustrating experience. However, in the middle of your frustration, you should not forget to report your car accident to Raleigh police. Failure to do so could cause you to incur a hefty fine.
If you have suffered injuries from an auto crash and wish to hold the at-fault party liable for your damages, schedule a free consultation today.
