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Should I Call the Police If the Other Driver Admits Fault After a Car Accident?

Our strong recommendation is to call the police at the scene of any accident since not doing so can result in greater trouble than you think. 

A police report will not only serve as a crucial piece of hard evidence in a car accident claim but it is also required by law in many accidents.

A verbal statement from the other driver while you were both at the accident scene will weigh in much less than a police report. The other driver can always change his initial statement and back his decision with hard evidence you weren’t aware of. Eyewitnesses are not always reliable either, and it’s not because they have bad intentions. Many eyewitnesses have distorted memories of such events.

delayed injury after car accident

My Car Accident Was Minor and I Didn’t Suffer Any Injuries, So Why Bother?

Fortunately, many car accidents are relatively minor, resulting in perhaps a few scratches. Drivers in this situation often prefer to settle things amicably, believing it will save them both time and stress. Calling the police for a minor accident might seem like overkill, but it’s essential to know when you shouldn’t skip this step.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Missouri, it’s essential to be aware of the law regarding car crashes. In most car accident cases, you are required by law to call the police and report it. The only exceptions are generally those accidents:

  • where the drivers have active insurance policies
  • where the property damage is less than $500
  • that didn’t result in any physical injuries

By Missouri traffic laws, you have 30 days to report a car accident from the moment it happened. However, be aware that you can only delay calling the police if your medical condition prevents you from doing so while you are at the scene. You are required to provide medical evidence that you could not call the police right away. 

Car accident attorneys deal with many challenging cases where the victim has experienced delayed injuries (more precisely, delayed symptoms). Some injuries that can show delayed symptoms are T.B.I.s and internal bleeding, so it’s nothing to take lightly. A medical exam should be attended by any person involved in a car accident.

Should You Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been in a car crash and are unsure what your next steps should be, then you should get in touch with an experienced St. Louis auto accident attorney. They can help protect your legal right to compensation after an accident.


Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

Free Consultation (314) 361-4242

Updated: August 4, 2022