A car collision should always be reported as soon as feasible. If you don’t respond within five days, you could face serious legal consequences. It may also jeopardize your capacity to obtain compensation for your injuries and property damage.
The aftermath of a vehicle accident is a time of turmoil and bewilderment. It can take several minutes to get your bearings.
Contacting police enforcement (and EMTs, if anyone is injured) should be at the top of your priority list as soon as possible. This is why:
- To follow the law: State officials look down on drivers who neglect to report an accident. Data from car crash reports is used by highway officials to steer public policy and prevent future accidents.
- To defend yourself: Failure to file an accident report can deprive you of the evidence you need to rebut the other motorist if they accuse you of causing injuries or damage to their car.
- To offer yourself valuable peace of mind, do the following: Knowing that you’ve covered all of your bases can help you concentrate on your recovery.
- To create a solid factual foundation in case you decide to pursue legal action: You never know how a car accident will turn out in the end. If you need the assistance of a Pittsburgh automobile accident lawyer, a report is a critical piece of evidence to have on your side.
Technically, Pennsylvania permits parties involved in a lawsuit to sue each other “small” car accidents to avoid making a police report. However, this is rarely a wise idea.
Let’s imagine you’re in a low-speed fender bender in which neither vehicle sustains obvious damage and no one is injured enough to require medical attention right away.
Is this to say that you should simply shake hands with the other driver and continue on your way? Certainly not. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of a car collision can take months to manifest.
For example, the incident could have resulted in spinal injuries, resulting in neck or back pain. When you take the time to document everything, getting compensation for the services you require becomes much easier.
Sometimes police officers fail to arrive at the scene of an accident, either because the collision is minor or because the people involved are unable to request assistance.
If you find yourself in this circumstance, you must still file an accident report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PA DOT) within five days of the collision. Failure to do so may result in your driver’s license being suspended.
Speaking with a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer is always a smart idea. Having a law firm on your side sends a message to insurance companies and at-fault parties that you’re serious about getting justice.
It also enables the legal firm to conduct an investigation into the incident and establish whether unforeseeable circumstances such as mechanical problems or ignored road dangers played a role. This occurs more frequently than you might expect.
Last but not least, speaking with an attorney might make you feel more empowered in the aftermath of the accident. Why should you let insurance examiners and other third parties decide your fate when you can fight for yourself and get a better result?
Over the years, our lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion for their clients, a figure that speaks for itself. Contact us today to put their abilities to work for you.
We’re available online or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Keep in mind that our main principle is “Doing Right by Doing Good.”
How long do I have to tell my insurance company about an accident?
Getting into a vehicle accident can be a terrifying experience. If you’ve never had one before, there’s the added strain of figuring out what you need to tell your insurance and when you need to notify them.
You must notify your insurance carrier as quickly as possible if you are involved in an accident. Most insurance companies require that you notify them within 24 hours of the incident.
Check your insurance policy to determine if your insurer has stipulated a time limit for reporting an accident. However, in general, the sooner you notify your insurance company, the better.
In the event of an accident, you must remain at the site for a fair amount of time. You must also provide your identity, address, and car registration number to the authorities “anyone who has a good basis to demand them.”
If you are unable to share your information at the scene of the accident, you must notify the police, according to the Government’s website.
You are not need to notify the police if you have exchanged information with the other driver and no one has been wounded as a result of the collision.
If you don’t stop and report an accident, you might face a hefty fine as well as much to six months in prison.
If you fail to notify your insurer of the accident, or if you do so too late, they may terminate your insurance and refuse to insure you again.
What if you wish to keep your no-claims bonus and pay for the repairs yourself, or seek reimbursement from the other driver?
The accident must still be reported. You can, however, make it obvious who you’re reporting to “You don’t want to make a claim, so you say “information only.”
You see, if you are found to be at fault for an accident, anyone has the right to ask for your insurance information. Your insurance may settle with the other driver’s insurer without your awareness if you don’t tell them yourself.
As previously stated, failing to report an accident is a significant offense that could jeopardize your ability to obtain insurance in the future.
Don’t take a chance! Even if your insurance policy states that you have a certain number of days to report an accident, it is in your best interests to do it as quickly as possible. Do it within 24 hours to eliminate any dangers.
It is a criminal offense to fail to report an accident. Driving without insurance is also dangerous. It’s critical to make sure you’re insured by proper auto insurance at all times for complete peace of mind.
Is there a time limit on making a car insurance claim?
A year is the standard time period for filing an insurance claim (Article 206, Civil Code). The insured/reinsured has five years from the date of the claim to file a claim.
Can I report an accident after 24 hours?
Police Reporting Responsibilities Within 24 hours of the collision, you must report it to a police station or a traffic officer’s authorized office with your driver’s license. You must report it as soon as reasonably possible if you were unable to do so due to your injuries.
Is it an Offence not to report a car accident?
If emergency services are not necessary at the scene, accidents involving damage to one or both vehicles do not need to be reported to police right away.
They must, however, be reported within 24 hours, and police will normally want to see proof of insurance, a driver’s license, and a MOT certificate.
There is no need to file a police report if a driver has stopped and exchanged information with the other driver.
Failure to report an accident while contact information has not been exchanged is a criminal offense.
Failure to comply can result in license points, a fine of up to £5,000, disqualification, or, in the most egregious circumstances, a six-month prison sentence.
There are a variety of reasons why a driver may fail to report an accident, including not knowing that an accident or collision has occurred, panic, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The increased number of CCTV cameras on the roads, as well as the possibility that other road users may have a camera in their vehicle to capture traffic events, making it far more difficult to avoid reporting an accident when it is required.
A prosecution of failing to report an accident may still be made against a driver who stops after an accident but does not offer details.
If a driver is located and convicted, failing to report a traffic accident may result in penalties as well as a reduction in vehicle insurance.
Duncan Lewis driving law solicitors provide experienced legal advice on failing to report an accident, as well as strong criminal defense services in circumstances where an honest mistake has been made.
Duncan Lewis traffic offence lawyers can attend a police interview to advise clients on the charges and can thoroughly prepare clients if a police prosecution for failure to report an accident is pursued.
Duncan Lewis represents clients in police stations, magistrates’ courts, crown courts, and appellate courts like the Court of Appeal.
Duncan Lewis Crime Department is listed in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work â and has a strong track record defending matters involving failure to report a traffic collision, whether it involves car drivers, HGV drivers, or motorcyclists.
Duncan Lewis has offices across England and Wales, and a criminal defense counsel from the firm can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes.
For professional legal assistance on road traffic crimes, including charges regarding failure to report an accident, call Duncan Lewis motoring offence attorneys on 020 7923 4020.
Call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036 for aid at a police station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our driving law department often advises new drivers, experienced drivers, and professional drivers on road traffic offences, including failure to report a road traffic collision, and a member of the Duncan Lewis motoring offence department can attend a police interview under caution.
Duncan Lewis motoring attorneys are a renowned provider of Legal Aid services; nevertheless, Legal Aid is based on financial need and may only be provided in limited circumstances.
During the initial client meeting or phone call, Duncan Lewis can provide more information about Legal Aid.
Duncan Lewis motoring and driving offence solicitors offer competitively priced private client representation â with set fees and advance notice of any charges whenever possible â in circumstances where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid.
For situations involving vehicle offenses, after-the-event insurance may be a viable funding alternative in some cases.
To discuss failing to report a road traffic collision, call Duncan Lewis Motoring & Driving Offence Solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
What happens if you don’t declare an accident?
Yes. You must report any and all accidents you are involved in, regardless of who or what is to blame.
Almost every insurance company has a condition in their policy that requires you to report any accidents you’ve had while driving in the previous five years. If you fail to report something and your insurance company learns about it later, your coverage may be voided.
How long after an accident can I claim for injury?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims usually begins on the day of the accident. This is the date on which you were injured for the first time. You’ll have three years from that date to file your claim. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, and it is critical that you are aware of them.
Who recovers my car after an accident?
Unfortunately, you cannot always decide whether or not you will be involved in a car accident. Accidents can happen at any time, and having the assurance that you will be protected when they do is crucial and comforting. If you were in an accident that was not your fault, you have the right to a free car recovery at the expense of the party who caused the accident.
If you were the innocent party in a traffic collision and then filed a non-fault claim, you will almost certainly still be out of cash. Before your vehicle can be fixed, your insurance company will most likely require you to pay the excess on your policy, which you will most likely have to pay up front. Not only that, but your next insurance rate will almost definitely be increased by your insurer.
This, however, is no longer the only option. You can now claim for a free vehicle recovery operator as a non-fault party in an accident, which involves having your damaged vehicle retrieved and replaced with a like-for-like hire car. You’ll get everything you’d get from a standard insurance policy, but you won’t have to pay the dreaded excess or deal with the hassle of finding a replacement vehicle.
The accident will be reported to your insurer, but only on an information, need-to-know basis. This implies that the insurance company will keep track of the accident but will not take any action against you, such as levying an excess or raising your premium. Even better, the third party will be responsible for all costs associated with car retrieval.
When an accident is not your fault, Road to Recovery is an accident management organization dedicated to alleviating the load. Not only can we arrange for the aforementioned vehicle recovery service in the event of a non-fault accident, but we can also provide you with a like-for-like rental car and a free independent vehicle damage evaluation. This ensures you don’t have to pay an unnecessary extra, and we handle it all without going through your car insurance carrier.
Accident management businesses are a superior option to vehicle insurance companies’ slow and expensive cogs, but only if you choose the proper one. When you’re engaged in an accident that wasn’t your fault, call Road to Recovery, an award-winning UK accident management firm.
How do I claim if someone hits my car?
Is your parked automobile being vandalized? There are a few things you need to do now, whether they’ve left a minor scratch or caused a lot more damage. However, the specific steps you follow will be determined by one factor: did they leave a note or did they drive away?
What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car If They Left a Note
As a result, when you return to your parked car, you discover a note on the windscreen. It’s from another driver who hit your parked car by accident. What are your options now?
- Examine the damage. You’ll have to deal with it sooner or later, whether it’s a minor ding or something more serious. However, you should snap some photographs at this point in case you need them later.
- Make your way to a garage. You should go to a garage regardless of how little the damage appears to be. There are a couple of reasons behind this. To begin with, even a minor scratch can rust, and rust can quickly spread throughout a vehicle until it becomes a big issue. Second, even if everything appears to be in order on the exterior, there could be hidden damage to your car’s bodywork or systems. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Finally, obvious damage may result in your vehicle failing its MOT. As a result, have it fixed as soon as possible!
What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car If They Didn’t Leave a Note
It’s still feasible to apprehend the perpetrator. So check for any surveillance cameras that may have filmed the incident. There is more likely to be CCTV footage if you are parked in a public car park or outside a shop or other business than if you are parked on a home street or a rural road.
If there are no cameras in the area and you don’t have a dedicated dash cam with parking mode, you may never catch the other driver.
Whether or not you are able to apprehend the perpetrator, you should contact the authorities. Because hit-and-runs are illegal, you must keep track of the incident. The police may also be able to assist you in locating the other motorist and obtaining the recompense you require.
After that, you’ll need to repeat the steps indicated above: Examine the damage, notify your insurance company, and make your way to a garage.
Should I Make a Claim on My Insurance?
Though you must notify your insurers if your parked car is hit, the decision to file a claim on your automobile insurance is yours.
If you file a claim, you may be required to pay your excess and your no-claims bonus may be forfeited. Solicit an estimate for the cost of repairs. In the long run, it may be less expensive to pay for the repairs yourself rather than filing a claim with your insurance.
Can I sue someone for damaging my car?
You can sue someone for causing damage to your car and any other property in it if you are not hurt. You may be able to take your case to small claims court if the damage isn’t severe. You’ll need to verify your state’s small claims court limits to see if your case qualifies.