San Antonio’s rush hour can get pretty hectic, and it’s hard to avoid the occasional fender bender.
When you’re caught in a fender bender, it can be tempting for both drivers to agree the damage isn’t worth reporting. However, it is always best to call the police after an accident, as the official documentation can protect you from any consequences that follow.
The Most Common Mistake After An Accident
Calling the cops after a minor accident can feel like an extra hassle to the stress you’ve just experienced. And of course, when you call the cops, an official report gets filed with your insurance company. This could cause insurance rates to increase for the negligent party.
Police can also take a long time to arrive at the scene, and when they do, collecting statements and finalizing a report is likewise a lengthy process. Opting for the out-of-pocket cost of minor repairs can seem far more appealing than dealing with the wait times and insurance consequences.
Moving along with your day can seem like the practical response when a fender bender results in minor damage and no injuries. Unfortunately, this choice leaves you unprotected in a few different ways.
Documentation Leaves You on the Same Page
When you involve the police after a car accident, you establish official documentation of the accident. This includes important information like the time and date of the accident, the extent of the property damage, the extent of any injuries, and which driver was at fault.
A crash report is a vital piece of evidence for insurance claims and lawsuits. When you don’t ask the police to document these facts at the time of the accident, what actually happened becomes a matter of your word against the other driver.
Don’t Get Taken Advantage Of
In an accident that wasn’t your fault, the negligent party may ask that no report is filed, especially so none of their insurance rates go up. Another driver may seem friendly and trustworthy, but it can be a big mistake to place trust in a stranger when the stakes are high.
With no official report on record, you run the risk of the other driver creating a false narrative of what happened. Another driver could claim the accident caused damages or injuries far beyond what occurred. An at-fault driver can report the accident and claim you were the driver at fault. You can even face legal charges like leaving the scene of an accident.
Small Accidents can have Big Consequences
Even a small accident can have some unfortunate ramifications. In the stress of the situation, you may not properly take stock of your vehicle or yourself. Making sure to get all the information logged in a police report offers protection against any unforeseen complications.
For example, you may begin to experience problems with your vehicle. Even small fender benders can result in issues with your alignment, transmission, electrical system, and other functions. The option to have your vehicle inspected by a professional can be made available through an insurance claim.
More seriously, after the shock of an accident wears off, you may begin to notice injuries to your body. You may not always notice your injuries immediately after an accident, but they can lead to long-term problems like chronic pain and the need for surgery. When you establish the accident as the source of an injury, you’re eligible to receive compensation through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
What Comes Next?
If you feel like your minor accident is having some more major consequences, it may be time to look into a personal injury lawyer. If you’re not sure if your accident or injury qualifies, we at Hilley & Solis are more than happy to talk about your claim. We offer free consultations to advise you on the next steps in a personal injury case.
