Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys APC helps people in Thousand Oaks when they’re injured in car accidents. Any car accident brings with it a lot of questions, like what happens if a police officer doesn’t create an accident report? You may be surprised to learn what this means for your legal options. To learn more about these options, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Happens if the Police Don’t Make a Report After My Car Accident?
Whether it’s the Thousand Oaks Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, or the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the police are there to help after car accidents. Most of the time, this means they come to the scene, gather information from everyone involved, and create a report that lists things like the:
- Exact date, time, and location.
- Names and contact details of everyone involved.
- Statements from anyone who saw what happened.
- Cars involved and the extent of the damage.
And while you legally have to report a car accident to the police in California, they might not respond. If they don’t, it doesn’t change your rights one way or the other–if you’re injured and it was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim to recover damages. Before you reach that point, though, you need to understand what you need to do at the scene after the accident.
What Should I Do If the Police Don’t Respond to My Car Accident?
If you’re in a car accident in Thousand Oaks and the police don’t show up or file a report, it can make things more complicated. But you can still take steps to protect your claim:
- Get to safety – If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Also make sure the 911 dispatcher alerts the local police. Even if they don’t respond, this covers your legal responsibility.
- Exchange information – Swap names, contact details, and insurance information with the other drivers involved.
- Document the scene – This is incredibly important if there’s no police response. Take photos and videos of the accident, including vehicle damage, injuries, road signs, and traffic conditions.
- Find witnesses – If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information in case their statements are needed later.
- Get medical help – Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records will be important for your claim.
- Contact your insurance company – Let your insurance company know about the crash as soon as you can to start the claims process.
- Keep track of everything – Save medical bills, repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Be careful with statements – Even if there’s no police response, you still need to be careful with any statements you make. Don’t admit fault and just stick to the facts of what happened when you talk to others or insurance reps.
Even without a police report, you can still file a strong claim. These steps will give you a solid foundation, but in order to actually get your damages, you’re going to have to file a claim.
How Do You Get Damages in a Car Accident Claim?
After a car accident in Thousand Oaks, you’re probably dealing with some level of injuries and damage to your vehicle. Calling the police is part of the process, but it’s more about them clearing the scene and preventing further accidents. They don’t really factor into your legal options after the accident. So, when you decide to file an injury claim, you can either file:
- An insurance claim out of court
- A personal injury lawsuit
An insurance claim handled directly by the at-fault person’s insurance company. You file a claim, they review the details, and they decide whether to offer a settlement. Most of the time, the first offer is low, hoping you’ll accept it quickly.
At that point, If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, you can take the case to court with a lawsuit. Our team handles everything, and a judge decides the outcome.
The goal of your claim–whether through insurance or a lawsuit–is to recover financial support called “damages.” In most car accident claims, this includes things like:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost income if you can’t work
- Car repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
In California, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to even file a claim, which means you can’t recover these damages no matter how strong your claim is.
How Can Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys Help Me After a Thousand Oaks Car Accident?
When you’re in a car accident, it’s very overwhelming. And the more injured you are, the harder everything else becomes. That’s when you can turn to our car accident lawyers at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, APC. Our experience and guidance can make a huge difference in how your claim plays out. You’re not required to get a lawyer, but working with our team can help you by:
- Explaining your rights, and what the path forward looks like.
- Collecting key evidence and information to support your claim.
- Handling talks with the insurance company, police, and anyone else involved.
- Negotiating for a fair insurance settlement.
- Taking your case to court if you need fuller damages.
Most of all, we want to make the process easier for you while you focus on getting better. To get your claims process started, contact us today for a free consultation.