Most people would be surprised at how many people don’t bother to call the cops when they get into a car crash. For some people, it’s just a matter of convenience. They don’t think the crash was all that serious. They certainly don’t feel like waiting on the side of the road for an hour or more waiting for the cops to do their investigation. What usually happens in situations like this is the two drivers exchange insurance information. They promise to get in touch and work it out. Then they go their separate ways. This is the last thing an Atlanta car accident lawyer wants to hear.
When you choose not to call the cops after a car crash, you are only making things worse. You’re making them worse for you and worse for your Atlanta car accident lawyer. They’re going to need the police report to prove your case. If you don’t call 911, you won’t get a police report. Rather than letting this happen, just do the right thing and call the police.
The Law in Georgia Requires that You Report the Wreck
If you get into a car accident in Georgia, you have to report it. You don’t have a choice. The law requires that you report any car crash, especially those that involve an injury or serious vehicle damage. Rather than worry about whether the damage was more than a certain amount, just report it. The great thing about calling the cops is that it serves as reporting the crash. This means you won’t have to do anything extra to make sure it’s done properly.
Your Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Needs the Police Report
While you’re sitting there talking to the stranger, the crash scene is getting contaminated. You could say something that the other driver will use against you if the case goes to court. You are much better off calling the police. They’ll come out to the scene and do a thorough investigation. They’re going to take notes of what they observe at the crash site. Some of this information includes:
- Name, driver’s license number, and insurance information for both drivers
- Pictures of the accident scene and vehicles
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses
- Statements made by the drivers and witnesses
- Description of the road conditions
- Information if either driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash
This is the kind of information that will help your Atlanta car accident lawyer prove your case. Once the accident scene is cleared, they can’t get any of this information. If you don’t call the police, you’re making your attorney’s job infinitely harder. This can have an impact on whether you’re able to submit the evidence necessary to be awarded damages. No matter how inconvenient it may be to call the police, it’s just something you must do.
There’s Never a Good Reason to Not Call the Cops
One of the things a lot of our car crash victims say is that the other driver begged them not to call the cops. They’ll promise to pay your out-of-pocket expenses. Then, a few months later, your Atlanta car accident lawyer realizes that there’s no response from the defendant. You wonder if they even gave you legitimate contact information. Your attorney is probably wondering the same thing. Your attorney will check with the insurance companies and try to track down the culprit. If they’re not able to do that, it’ll have to be treated like a hit-and-run accident. Your only recourse will be to file a claim with your uninsured motorists’ policy. Sadly, they usually don’t cover your entire claim.
The Other Driver May Be Up to No Good
There’s a good chance that something is amiss if the other driver begs you to not call the cops after a car crash. They may be driving on a suspended license. Or they could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They don’t want the cops to come to the scene for obvious reasons. If this is the case, they may not give you the right information.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with One of Our Atlanta Car Crash Lawyers
If you get into a car crash and the other driver insists on not calling the cops – beware. There’s never a good reason to do this. Normal protocol involves calling 911 immediately after the crash. Don’t do yourself this kind of disservice. Call our office right away so you can schedule your free consultation with an Atlanta car accident lawyer.
