Car Accident Without Police Report: What You Need to Know

If you have been in a car accident and did not file a police report, you may wonder what your next steps should be. Filing a police report is not always mandatory, but it can help your car accident claim. This blog post will discuss what you need to know if you choose not to file a police report after being in a car accident.

While many believe that they need to file a police report to have a valid claim, this is not always the case. If you have been involved in a car accident and sustained injuries or property damage, you may be able to file a claim without a police report.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you choose not to file a police report after being in a car accident. First, it may be more difficult to prove that the accident occurred if you do not have a police report. Without a police report, you will likely need to provide other evidence to show that the accident occurred, such as witness statements or photos.

Second, you may have a more challenging time proving the extent of your injuries or damage if you do not have a police report. A police report can provide valuable information about the accident, such as the date and time it occurred, and can help determine the extent of your injuries or damage.

Third, you may be less likely to receive a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company if you do not have a police report. Insurance companies often require police reports to process claims and may be less likely to offer a settlement without one.

Self-Filing An Accident Report

If you choose not to file a police report, you may be able to self-file an accident report with your state’s department of motor vehicles. An accident report differs from a police report, but it can still be helpful in filing a car accident claim. An accident report will typically include information about the date and time of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of the parties involved.

Collecting Evidence For Your Claim

If you choose not to file a police report, you should collect other evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include witness statements, photos of the accident scene and damage, and medical records. It is essential to keep all of this evidence in one place so that you can easily access it when needed.

To document the evidence, you should:

• Take photos of the accident scene and damage.
• Get the contact information for any witnesses.
• Make a list of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills and property damage repairs.
• Keep a journal detailing your injuries and how they have affected your life.

Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you are involved in a car accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your options. An attorney can help you determine whether filing a police report is right for you and can assist you in self-filing an accident report if necessary. Contact Saladino & Schaaf today for a free car accident case consultation. Or reach us by phone at 270-444-0406 (Paducah Personal Injury Law Office) or 270-753-1529 (Murray Personal Injury Law Office).