What if the Police Don’t Come After a Car Accident?
Being involved in a car accident can be frightening and chaotic. It can be hard to think after a car accident because everything happens so fast. However, despite the fear and the chaos, it is crucial to contact the police immediately after a car crash. In many cases, the police will show up at the accident scene, conduct a preliminary report, and file a report. The police report is a crucial piece of document. While this report is not considered admissible evidence in a personal injury claim, it can be helpful in several ways. After the police come to the crash scene and prepare a report, you need to request a copy of the report. However, there are times when the police don’t show up at an accident scene. For example, the police may pass on a call if there is a more urgent emergency requiring their attention or they don’t have the resources to respond to the scene.
If you have waited for a reasonable amount of time after contacting 911 and it seems as though no one is coming, you may wonder what your next steps should be. The following are some of the things you can do if the police don’t come after a car accident to ensure you have the documentation you need;
Exchange Information With the Other Driver(s)
Whether the police come to the scene of your accident or not, ensure you exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes names, contact information, insurance information, driver’s license information, and license plate numbers.
Take Pictures and Videos at the Scene
If you have a phone with a camera or a camera and if your physical condition allows you, take pictures and videos at the accident scene. This includes pictures of vehicle damage, weather and road conditions, debris, and injuries. Also, look around to see whether any traffic or CCTV cameras might have captured your accident. These cameras can provide objective, time-stamped footage of your accident, which can help clarify what happened.
Talk to Witnesses
If there are people who witnessed your accident, talk to them and get their names and contact information so you can follow up with them later.
File a Traffic Collision Report
According to Kentucky law, if you are involved in a car accident and the resulting property damage is more than $500, you must file a written report of the accident with the Kentucky State Police if the police don’t come to the accident scene to conduct an investigation. You have ten days to file your written report. You can file this report online on the Kentucky State Police Portal.
Contact an Attorney
If you have been involved in a car accident and the police fail to come to the accident scene, you should contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help protect your legal rights. They can help you collect the evidence you need to pursue a successful car accident claim.
Contact a London and Southeast Kentucky Auto Accident Attorney
Our London and Southeast Kentucky auto accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm understand the challenges you may face if the police fail to come to the scene of your car accident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=52403
