Should You Report a Minor Car Accident?

By following a few simple steps, you’ll go a long way in ensuring that everyone involved in the car accident is taken care of and that any damages are properly documented.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than six million car accidents in America every year. Of these, more than two million accidents result in injuries, and nearly 35,000 lead to fatalities. But what about the vast amount of “minor” car accidents that occur each year? Do you have to report them?

Should You Report a Minor Car Accident to the Police or Insurance Company?

The answer is generally yes – there are several advantages to doing so:

• Reporting a car accident can help identify and track patterns or trends in car accidents. This information can improve safety measures and reduce the number of car accidents.
• Reporting a car accident can help protect you from being held liable in case of a future accident.
• Reporting a car accident can help speed up the claims process if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

What Happens if You Don’t Report a Car Accident?

There could be consequences if you are involved in a car accident and do not report it.

Possible consequences of not reporting a car accident include:

• You may be held liable for any damages caused by the accident.
• You may not be able to file a claim with your insurance company if you need to.
• Your insurance rates may go up.
• You may not collect damages from the other driver if you are injured in the accident.

What Should You Do After a Minor Car Accident?

After a minor car accident, you should generally do the following:

1. Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary.
2. Call the police and report the accident.
3. Report the accident to your insurance company.
4. Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles.
5. Get contact information from the other driver(s), including their name, address, phone number, and insurance company.

By following these simple steps, you’ll go a long way in ensuring that everyone involved in the car accident is taken care of and that any damages are properly documented.

Talk to an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Have you or your loved one been injured in a car accident? It’s highly recommended that you discuss your case with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected. Whether your accident was seemingly minor or not, an attorney can help you understand your rights and what you should do in the aftermath of an accident.