Don't you still need a police report even if it's something small.
If we don't call the police, what's keeping the other driver from denying they ever hit us (assuming there's no witnesses)?
2007-11-10 12:34:20 · 12 answers · asked by Seeker 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Laws will be differnet from state to state. In Wisconsin, you do not need to call the police unless someone is hurt, or there is more than $1000 damage.
I would suggest calling the police anytime you have an accident, regardless of how bad it seems. This protects you if someone claims injury later, or claims more damage than they observed, or changes the facts of the accident implying you are at fault.
2007-11-10 12:39:56 · answer #1 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I learned by experience to call the police for a fender bender. I was hit by a car from behind and since there was no real damage--we just exchanged information.
The problem came a few hours later when I started to get a headache, numbness and tingling in my fingers. I needed to seek medical treatment. Long story short---this minor accident caused a ruptured disc in my neck. I had a lot of difficulty getting my bills paid because my insurance company wanted to see the police report.
Protect yourself. Do not move your car. Contact the police and let them put the fender bender on record in case something occurs as a result. You have the police report to back up your case.
There are so many scam artists out there who purposely will hit another car or cause themself to be hit and then try to sue that person....they will claim that they have neck & back problems, anxiety etc... In my state (NJ) this con is one of the most prevelant crimes and the innocent person becomes the guilty party.
2007-11-10 21:09:01 · answer #2 · answered by Seablanco1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If i recall, the police aren't required to be called unless there is like $500 or $750 in damage. Of course, barring any injuries or your vehicle being diabled or causing a traffic situation..
Otherwise it is usually acceptable to simply trade information and go on with your life. Problem being that you are still trusting that person to have updated information or that they won't slap on a neck brace and cry for compensation. I've had a few "taps' myself where the person made a claim, so thankfully I had a digital camera on me at the time. Hard to prove you have medical problems due to a crash when your plastic fender isn't even scuffed.
Had a grandmother too that had her car totaled by an illegal. She ended up having to have a hip replaced and buy a new care, the offender ran off and was known to have done this same thing before.
So if you feel you should protect yourself, I'd call the police just in case.
2007-11-10 20:42:24 · answer #3 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, you don't have to call the Police. Reportable accidents are those where there is serious injuries or death, or, vehicles can not be driven from the scene under their own power.
However, if the person you are involved in an accident with acts like a total jerk, and is complaining of aches & pains, do yourself a favor & call the Police. If you have your digital camera handy, take lots of pictures BEFORE the vehicles get moved.
2007-11-10 21:19:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can, it's not required. Most people will try to get away of not paying if you don't get a police report. If you get a police report it is not require for the police offficer to submit to your insurance company. (Insurance will go up if this happens) though. If the person doesn't pay you can choose to go through insurance.
2007-11-10 20:50:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on a few things. If the damage exceeded $500 you have to (so if it is a really nice car). Also If one of you doesn't have your license, registration, and/or insurance you should. If you can't work out who pays then call them. Also if you want to you can. However if there is no real damage then I wouldn't call.
2007-11-10 20:40:15 · answer #6 · answered by c3po8mo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In addition to the other points raised, if you leave and the other person stays, you are opening yourself to a hit and run charge. Not saying that it WILL happen, but it MIGHT.
2007-11-10 20:56:06 · answer #7 · answered by Paladin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can, but its not required in CA.
Nothing but morals would keep the other driver from doing as he pleases.
2007-11-10 20:44:55 · answer #8 · answered by California Street Cop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to call for insurance purposes.
2007-11-10 20:39:25 · answer #9 · answered by messinger1965 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.... Unless there is *absolutely* zero damage to either vehicle...
2007-11-10 21:07:58 · answer #10 · answered by lordkelvin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋