Should I Call the Police After a Fender-Bender?

Yes, you should call the police after a fender–bender, even if the damage seems minor. A police report provides official documentation of the accident, which protects you if injuries or disputes emerge later.

Many drivers skip calling the cops for minor collisions, thinking it’s unnecessary. This decision can hurt you when the other driver changes their story or hidden injuries appear.

Los Angeles car accident lawyers recommend always calling 911 after a crash.

Why Accident Reports Matter for Minor Accidents

Accident reports create an official record of what happened. Officers document the date, time, location, and parties involved. They note road conditions, weather, and visible damage.

The report often includes the officer’s assessment of fault. Insurance companies give significant weight to the officer’s determinations. Without a report, the accident becomes a “he said, she said” situation.

Reports provide contact information for all parties and witnesses. This information becomes crucial if you need to file a claim later. Memories fade, but official documents preserve critical details.

California’s Legal Requirements for Reporting

California law requires reporting any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Most fender-benders exceed this threshold when you count both vehicles. Failing to report can result in fines or license suspension.

You must also report to the DMV within 10 days using form SR-1. Police reports don’t substitute for DMV reporting. Both are required when damage exceeds the threshold.

Even if the damage seems under $1,000, modern vehicle repairs cost more than expected. Sensors, cameras, and safety systems hide behind bumpers. What looks like a scratch can require thousands in repairs.

Hidden Injuries That Appear Later

Adrenaline masks pain immediately after accidents. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussions often don’t show symptoms for hours or days.

Without an official report, proving these injuries came from the accident becomes difficult. Insurance companies deny claims when there’s no official accident record. They argue injuries came from another source.

An accident report timestamps the incident and links your injuries directly to the collision. Some serious conditions have delayed symptoms.

Internal bleeding, brain damage, or organ damage may not be immediately apparent. J&Y Law has seen countless cases where “minor“ accidents caused serious injuries that emerged later.

When the Other Driver Seems Cooperative

Many drivers avoid calling the cops after a fender-bender to keep incidents off their record. The other driver might seem friendly and promise to pay for damages directly. This cooperation often disappears once repair bills arrive.

Without a police report, you have no leverage if the other driver stops responding. You can’t prove the accident happened or that they were at fault. Their insurance company will likely deny your claim without official documentation.

Some drivers provide fake insurance information or contact details. By the time you discover this, they’ve vanished. Calling the cops after a fender-bender ensures you get accurate information verified by an officer.

What Happens When Officers Arrive

Officers assess the scene and interview all parties involved. They check drivers’ licenses, registration, and insurance. They document vehicle positions and damage.

The officer creates a report with their findings. This report goes into official records accessible to insurance companies. You’ll receive a report number to reference when filing claims.

Officers may issue citations if they determine someone has violated traffic laws. These citations strengthen liability determination. Even without citations, the report provides valuable documentation.

Exceptions and Special Situations

California allows drivers to exchange information without cops for very minor damage on private property. However, determining what qualifies as “very minor” is difficult without professional assessment.

If someone is injured, calling 911 is mandatory. Emergency medical response takes priority. Police will automatically be dispatched to accidents involving injuries.

Hit-and-run accidents absolutely require crash reports. You need documentation for uninsured motorist claims. Report these immediately and provide any details about the fleeing vehicle.

What to Tell the Police

Stick to facts when talking to officers. Describe what happened without speculating about causes. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements can hurt your claim.

Report all pain or discomfort, even if it seems minor. Officers document injury complaints in their reports. Failing to mention pain gives insurance companies reason to question later claims.

Get the officer’s name and report number before they leave. Ask how to obtain a copy of the report. Most police departments allow online access within a few days.

When the Other Driver Refuses to Wait

Some at-fault drivers leave before cops arrive. Get their license plate number if possible. Call the police immediately and report the hit-and-run.

Never chase the other driver or put yourself in danger. Your safety comes first. Focus on gathering what information you can from the scene.

Uninsured motorist coverage on your policy may cover hit-and-runs. The accident report is essential for these claims. J&Y Law helps clients deal with hit-and-run claims and maximize recovery from all available sources.

Always Call the Police After a Fender-Bender

Having a crash report protects you from future disputes, changing stories, and fraudulent claims. It’s the single most important step you can take at an accident scene beyond ensuring everyone’s safety.

Don’t risk your ability to recover compensation by not calling the police after a fender-bender. Even fender-benders can lead to serious claims. Contact J&Y Law for a free consultation about your car accident.