Should I Report a Fender Bender to the Police?
If you’re in a serious accident, you know that calling the authorities is a must – in fact, many people are likely to call – but if you’re in a fender bender, the best course of action may not be so clear. Fortunately, there are some basic guidelines that can help you make the right choices in your unique situation. If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a car accident, an important first step – in addition to reporting the matter to the police – is seeking the skilled legal representation of an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney.
For Truly Minor Accidents, There’s No Need to Report
If the accident you’re considering is truly minor, you aren’t required to report it to the police, but it’s important to consider what this means. If the combined property damage reaches $1,000 or if anyone suffers an injury, it’s time to call 911. Bodywork is so costly that it’s rare for a fender bender to come in at under $1,000, and certain injuries – like whiplash, which is closely associated with the rear-end accidents that are often referred to as fender benders – can be slow to present with symptoms.
If you’re convinced that the accident comes in below the established threshold, it’s a good idea to report the event to the non-emergency number. If your losses prove to be more significant than you realized, doing so can help protect your claim and your health and well-being. Erring on the side of caution when it comes to an event that could prove more significant to your future than you realize is always well advised.
Car Accident Claims Are Built on Evidence
In addition to better protecting your health, calling the police in the aftermath of an accident also helps to solidify evidence on which car accident claims are based. The police officer will file a report and may issue a ticket – both of which could bolster your claim. While the police officer’s instant reaction to the accident may not be completely accurate, their reporting can – nonetheless – play an important role. Other forms of evidence that can be advantageous include:
- The testimony of eyewitnesses
- Any physical evidence the police gather
- The photos and videos taken at the scene
- Relevant dashcam and security camera footage
The officer’s knowledge of car accident scenes can help to ensure that you get the evidence you need to bring a robust claim. Calling the police also sends a strong message to the involved insurance company that they should take the matter as seriously as you do.
An Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Attorney is Standing By to Help
The formidable South Carolina car accident attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC – in Charleston, Spartanburg, and Greenville – appreciate how challenging car accident claims can be and are well-prepared and well-positioned to help you. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 864-400-2545 today.