Motor vehicle collisions can be highly inconvenient. They leave a vehicle in need of repairs and occupants in need of medical care. Additionally, people who have places to be may need to wait on the side of the road for an hour or longer until a police officer arrives to help them put together a collision report.
Those delays can feel untenable to people already running behind after a car crash pushes back their daily schedule. Some people choose to forego the reporting process and may even make arrangements with the other party to settle the aftermath of the car crash privately. Those arrangements may violate state law if the crash is serious enough to require a report.
When is it mandatory for those involved in crashes to report collisions to local authorities?
The law requires reports in some cases
If a collision is severe enough to lead to large insurance claims or civil litigation, reporting the crash to local authorities before leaving the scene of the wreck is often necessary. Under current state statutes, drivers generally have an obligation to report collisions that cause injuries to people.
They also generally need to report crashes that cause $500 or more in property damage expenses. People who fail to report their crashes could do themselves a disservice, as they may struggle to prove that the crash occurred and may limit their opportunities for compensation. They may also be at risk of facing penalties associated with a hit-and-run.
People involved in collisions may need to discuss the crash with an attorney shortly after a wreck, especially if the other driver denies responsibility or losses are substantial enough to exceed insurance coverage. Knowing what steps to take after a car crash can be difficult, but an attorney can help.