Should I Call the Police if a Car Accident Wasn’t My Fault?

When you are involved in a car accident, it is a good idea to have a police report – even if injury or damage does not seem severe. There are issues that can pop up several weeks after an accident that may be related but, without proper documentation, proving relation may be a difficult task.

Regardless of who you believe is at fault for an accident, you should file a report with the police. Regardless of who you believe is at fault for the accident, you should never suggest to the police that you are to blame. Without a thorough investigation from a qualified attorney and accident reconstructionist, there may be no way to know the actual cause of your wreck.

Documenting Your Car Accident

Documentation is key when you are in a car accident. If you are not too badly injured, take pictures of the scene from multiple angles. Be sure to include as much of the surrounding environment as possible – weather, road conditions, and similar issues may have played a role.

In addition to taking pictures, if you are able:

• Get the driver’s license number, insurance information, and contact info for all involved drivers
• Get the VIN number, license plate number, and vehicle make/model/year of all involved vehicles
• Collect the names, addresses, and contact info of all witnesses

No matter who you are speaking to, do not suggest you are to blame for the accident. What you say at the scene, to police, EMTs, witnesses, and other drivers can come back to haunt you.

Be sure to make an appointment with your primary care physician, even if you do not believe you have been injured. Some soft tissue injuries can take weeks to present themselves. If you have been injured, discuss your options with an attorney before you make any decisions about an insurance settlement.

Contact Us for Help

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may have options. Call the Maurer Law Firm at 845-896-5295 to schedule a free case review at our Fishkill office today.