Do I Have To Report An Auto Accident to the Police?

Michael Waks

10 years ago

Automobile accidents, even minor ones, can be terrifying. We assume if we’re ever in an accident we’ll know exactly what to do, but when an accident actually happens, many people become overwhelmed. I recommend my clients keep an accident checklist in their glove box so if they do have an accident they’ll know what to do at the scene (feel free to download the checklist I provide to my clients at the home page of my website at www.michaelwaks.com).

Even after leaving the accident scene there can be questions about what to do next. If the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, an auto accident victim should consult with a Southern California auto accident attorney. He can help guide you and your family through what needs to done.

Do the Police Need to Be Notified When an Automobile Accident Occurs?

California law requires all drivers involved in a car accident to stop regardless of whether or not there are injuries. A driver who does not stop after an auto accident can be charged with hit and run. At the scene of the accident drivers must exchange information including name, driver’s license number, vehicle identification number, vehicle owner’s name and address (if a driver does not own the car he or she was driving during the accident), the name of the insurance company covering the car involved in the accident and the related policy number.

If the car accident resulted in an injury you must contact the police. They will come to the accident scene, conduct an investigation and complete a report. If there are no significant injuries, the police may not respond to the accident scene.

If there are no injuries, California law does not require the accident be reported to the police. Sometimes, however, your insurance company may still require you to report the accident.

Contact an Experienced Long Beach Automobile Accident Attorney to Assist with Your Claim

“Your Injuries are Personal to Me”

My law practice exclusively represents personal injury victims and does so with a deep understanding of their suffering and an absolute commitment to their recovery. I take your injuries personally, and that is why I directly handle all aspects of every case to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.

Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. You are under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover damages for your injuries. I offer bilingual services as part of my comprehensive approach to legal representation and I am available 24/7 to talk to you about your case.

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Michael Waks

Michael Waks is an aggressive advocate for people who have suffered because of someone else’s actions. Michael decided to become a personal injury lawyer when, while clerking at a legal defense firm during law school, he witnessed and was infuriated by asbestos manufacturers spending millions to avoid taking responsibility for the egregious injuries they caused. Immediately after passing the bar, Michael opened his own firm in Long Beach, CA to help the victims of personal injury accidents get every benefit owed them under the law.