Reporting an accident was once an incredibly difficult process. In fact, it was likely the police department didn’t even send an officer over to the scene of your accident to take a statement or write up a report. This inaction made filing claims for auto accidents incredibly difficult, as police reports are among the most useful pieces of evidence you can use during the claim process. Thankfully, the Collision Reporting Center was recently established in order to solve this pressing issue.
The History of the Collision Reporting Center
In 2018, the Collision Reporting Center was established in order to provide much-needed support to those involved in auto accidents. Before the center was made, the Police Department handled all accident reports. However, the police were spread incredibly thin, which resulted in the department choosing not to send officers to the scene of an accident unless there were catastrophic injuries reported.
This meant that anyone involved in what was considered a “minor” accident would not have the benefit of a police report when it came time to file a claim and recover damages. Now, however, drivers can utilize the reporting center to help them submit a proper report and allow them to account for any injuries or damages they may have suffered.
How to Report an Accident
After becoming involved in an accident, you should call 911 to report the accident and seek necessary medical treatment. The 911 operator will determine whether to send police or if the Collision Reporting Center can handle the accident. If it is determined that police are not needed, then exchange the proper information with the other driver(s) involved and then move your car away from the roadway, if it is safe to do so. Be sure to take pictures of the scene before any vehicles are moved and get the contact information of any witnesses who may be able to describe what happened and help you with your claim.
Within 72 hours of the accident, you should take your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Center.
From there, you can speak to personnel at the center who will take your statement and help you fill out a proper police report. They will even take photos of the damage done to your car! Once everything has been filled out, you can request that the center send the photos and all applicable reports and files directly to your insurance company, saving you time and effort.
The Advantages of a Police Report
You may be wondering, if you can take photos of the accident with your phone, get in contact with witnesses who can corroborate your version of events, and there is clear proof you were not at fault for the accident, what do you need a police report for?
Well, first, every piece of evidence counts when it comes to accident claims. Insurance adjusters want to pay you as little as possible, so they will try to exploit any crack in your case in order to pass the blame from their client on to you. If you have multiple reports making it clear that you were not at fault, then it will be that much harder for the insurance company to deny you proper compensation.
Second, you may not have that much evidence. If there were no witnesses at the accident, if the at-fault driver fled the scene of the accident, and if you didn’t take any accident photos, then the police report may be the only strong piece of evidence you have. On top of that, as a third party, the reporting center will be able to provide a more objective perspective on your damages and the accident, making it more difficult for the insurance provider to pin the blame for the accident in you.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a car accident, then you are likely in desperate need of a helping hand. For outstanding legal help, contact the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. With our legal knowledge and deep passion for helping others, we can provide you with the support you need to receive proper compensation. You can also reach out to us to get a free police report.