The greatest majority of car accidents are what are referred to as “fender benders.” These minor altercations do not involve injuries and often the damage estimates are low. These are the type of car accidents that often happen in the parking lot at a mall or you misjudge the distance as you approach a red light and give the car ahead a little jolt.
In most cases accidents of this nature are not the cause of any injuries to either the drivers or their passengers, but, even though the accident may be considered minor they can result in property damage to the vehicles. In these situations the question usually arises, “do we need to report this accident to the authorities?” There are only two entities that may be concerned and whether you report the accident to one or the other or both take into account different considerations.
Reporting to the police:
Most states require that a car accident that results in any injury or vehicle damage in excess of a minimal amount, typically $1,000 to $2,000 are to be reported. At the scene of the accident it is very important that the drivers of both vehicles exchange details including each other’s insurance information. Every state demands that this is done. If the other driver that was involved is uncooperative it may mean that he or she does not carry insurance of is driving without a permit to do so, in this case the involvement of the police is a must. This type of reticence may lead to future legal woes which will force you into engaging a car accident attorney in West Palm Beach.
Even in cases where the other driver is fully cooperative there are times when there will be a dispute between the two of you as to who is at fault. In cases like this, the police should be involved. If the two drivers cannot agree on who should take the blame the investigating officer will gather information from the scene which may include statements from people who were witnesses to the accident. If this accident should ever end up as a legal dispute your car accident attorney in West Palm Beach will need the police report as the basis of his or her support of your position.
Reporting to the insurance company:
Many people try to avoid reporting minor accidents to their insurance company because they are concerned that their premiums will go up and that they can easily work things out with the other driver.
Although this is an obvious concern and conclusion it must be understood that every insurance company demands that any accident you are involved in is reported to them and failure to do so can lead to complications.
It is fair to say that to be on the safe side every accident should be reported to both the police and the insurance companies, in this way you are safe rather than sorry.
Any car accident attorney in West Palm Beach will advise you to contact the authorities as there is no way to forecast what the outcome will be of even the most minor collision. If you need legal assistance as a result of a car accident you are invited to contact Business Name. For more information visit the website domain.
