subject: Why You Should Call The Police After A Car Accident [print this page] In many cities and towns, the police publish guidelines for when, after a motor vehicle accident, the police should be called to the scene. However, sometimes an accident victim's interpretation of those guidelines can result in serious problems when later making an insurance claim.
Firstly, most municipalities suggest that the police need not be called if the damage to the vehicles is less than a certain amount. In Ottawa, Ontario that amount is $1000.00. The problem is that unless you have some specialized knowledge about cars, or unless the accident was truly just a tap at very low speed, how do you know what the damage is? Very often there is damage inside the frame of the car or inside the trunk. There can be alignment problems, wheel well problems and various other structural problems that are a much bigger deal than you may realize.
Without a police report taken at the scene, you may face a struggle later on to establish that the accident was the other person's fault. Determining whose fault the accident was can have repercussions for your property damage deductible, insurance premium increases as well as a claim for any personal injuries. If you have any doubt about the severity of the accident, call the police.
Secondly, most municipal police forces suggest calling the police if there are any injuries. Many people interpret this to mean that you should only call the police if an ambulance needs to be called. Think again. Small injuries at the scene can develop into much more serious injuries later on. That twinge in your neck of back, that burning sensation in your knee or that dazed and dizzy feeling from when your head hit the steering wheel may be more significant than they appear in the minutes after the accident.
In these circumstances, calling the police will ensure that the scene is investigated, providing a record and, hopefully, confirming who was at fault for the accident. Often, a driver is charged with a driving or even a criminal offence at the scene of the accident. If you are the injured victim, this will be very helpful later on. Motor vehicle accident reports will also generally detail the time of the accident, the weather, the damage to both cars, the severity of any injuries and the name and contact info of any witnesses.
Overall, in all but the most minor fender taps, it is prudent to contact the police after any motor vehicle accident.
