4 Reasons to Call the Police after a Car Accident

Car accidents happen in a blur, and many victims are unsure of what they should do. An important step is to report the crash to the police. There are many reasons for doing so, and injured motorists can improve their chances of receiving a settlement if the police come out and create an accident report. This report is the foundation of any car accident case, and without one you might struggle to receive any settlement. Below, we look at 4 reasons to call.

1. It’s the Law

South Dakota requires that drivers immediately report any accident resulting in:

• Death
• Bodily injuries
• At least $1,000 in damage to anyone’s property or $2,000 in total property damage

Practically every car crash causes at least $1,000 in damage, which means you need to use your cell phone or ask someone to use theirs and call. You should call the police for the town where the accident happened. Dial 9-1-1 if you don’t know the number.

Failure to report an accident is a Class 2 misdemeanor, so it is critical to comply.

2. The Police Can Interview Witnesses

There are other helpful reasons for calling the police. For one, the police can help document the crash.

As part of creating an accident report, the officer might talk to witnesses. This is a critical step if you are too injured to talk with witnesses yourself. Back injuries, concussions, and fractures leave some motorists in so much pain all they can do is wait for an ambulance to come pick them up. Talking to bystanders is out of the question.

Witnesses provide critical evidence in a car accident case. For example, a witness can testify that a driver ran a red light, which is information you might not have otherwise.

3. An Officer Can Investigate a Suspected Drunk Driver

What if the person who hit you was intoxicated? It would be great to have a breathalyzer or other chemical test result. If you call the police, the responding officer can come out and interview everyone involved in the accident. You can also point out your suspicions that the other motorist is intoxicated.

The officer can investigate by asking the driver questions or having them perform a field sobriety test and then provide a breath sample, if necessary.

4. A Crash Report Will Smooth Out the Claims Process

Insurance companies become suspicious if a motorist does not have an accident report. This is critically important if you were injured in a hit and run or a single-vehicle crash. The insurer might suspect you really are to blame for your own wreck, which is why it is critical to call.

Speak to a Sioux Falls Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance should make receiving compensation easier. But as countless motorists discover, insurance companies often are a barrier to getting the money you need following an accident. Reach out to Hoy Law to speak with a Sioux Falls car accident lawyer on our team. We can get started immediately on your claim.

Source:

sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-34-7