4 Reasons to Always Call the Police After a Florida Car Accident
After being involved in a Florida car accident, it is a good idea to call the police and see if they will come to the scene. The police can be an invaluable source of help at the accident scene and beyond. However, people, especially young and inexperienced drivers, sometimes wonder if it is necessary to call the police after a car accident. For example, what if there is only minor damage to the vehicle or no visible damage at all? What if there are only minor injuries or no visible injuries? While a “minor accident” might seem like it doesn’t warrant involving law enforcement, calling the police after any accident can be essential. Below are four crucial reasons why contacting the police is vital after a car accident.
- Accident Scene Documentation
One key reason to contact the police after a car accident is to ensure accurate accident scene documentation. When the police respond to an accident scene, they conduct a preliminary investigation and create an official report documenting the accident details. Officers document the accident scene with pictures, diagrams, and written observations. They collect witness statements and note physical evidence, such as vehicle damage. This careful approach helps establish an objective account of the events, removing biases and personal interpretations that might distort the facts.
- Establishing Fault
Another vital reason for calling the police after a Florida car accident is establishing fault. In Florida, when a person suffers severe injuries in a car accident because of the negligence of another party, they can file a personal injury claim and seek compensation. A police report can be critical in determining fault and assigning liability. The police report contains important details such as skid marks, traffic signs or signals, road conditions, and weather conditions that can help clarify who may have caused the accident. Without a police report, determining fault and assigning liability may be difficult if one driver later presents a different version of the accident. Calling the police ensures there is an unbiased report.
- Lends Credibility to Insurance Claims
A police report can expedite the insurance process and increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Without a police report, the insurance company may be left to rely on conflicting accounts. Not having a police report provides the insurance company with grounds to argue that your claim is either invalid or not worth the amount you are seeking. This can lead to delays, lower settlement amounts, or even a denied claim.
- It Is a Legal Requirement
According to Florida Statutes 316.065, if you are involved in an accident involving injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $500, you must call the police. Failure to call the police can result in penalties. In cases where you are unsure whether the damage meets the $500 threshold or there are no apparent injuries, it is best to be cautious and call the police.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured in a car collision because of another party’s negligence, contact the skilled Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for legal help. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.065.html
