When you’re involved in a minor car accident, you may think it’s unnecessary to call the police. However, if you do not take this step, you’re doing yourself a disservice, as this can impact a lawsuit if you choose to file at a later date. As such, taking the proper precautions and contacting law enforcement is vital to protect yourself. If you’ve been involved in a collision, you’ll want to keep reading to learn why calling the police is important and discover how a Houston auto accident lawyer can help you navigate these charges.
Is It Necessary to Call the Police Following an Accident?
When you’re involved in an accident, you may believe calling the police is unnecessary, especially since you deem the damage minor. However, it is the law that in instances where someone is injured, or damage to the vehicle is $1,000 or more, the police must be notified. As some injuries may not present themselves immediately, and you may not be able to properly estimate the cost of the damage to a vehicle, it’s in your best interest to contact the police regardless.
It’s also important to call the police for additional reasons. Not only does this provide medical attention to asses the injuries sustained, but calling law enforcement can help keep you safe and make the aftermath of the accident go as smoothly as possible. For example, if the other driver is making it challenging to exchange information, law enforcement can help get them to comply while prioritizing your safety.
Police officers can also help direct traffic around the accident scene to ensure it’s safe for you to take photos and videos of the collision, talk to the other driver, and get the information of witnesses at the scene. The police will also create their own report of the accident, so be sure to write down the name and department of the reporting officer so you can get a copy later.
If I Want to Pursue Compensation, How Should I Proceed?
If you sustained injuries as a result of the collision, receiving compensation is vital to protecting yourself. Unfortunately, you may find that what you believe to be a minor collision can lead to extensive medical bills. As such, it’s vital to hold the negligent driver responsible to receive the compensation you are entitled to.
You’ll want to ensure you hold on to all medical records and documents, obtain the police report, and any photos or videos you took of the collision.
Finally, you’ll need to contact the Gonzalez Law Group as soon as possible to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to fight for your rights after you are injured by a negligent driver. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
