When you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, a million questions arise. Among these questions is whether you should call 911 or not. The short answer is yes in almost all circumstances. Let’s go over three primary reasons why you should call for a police officer after an accident:
Documentation
Having an officer come to the scene of the crash allows for better documentation of the accident. When no emergency responders come to the crash, then usually just a few papers are exchanged, and scribbles are made. Even worse, one of the parties may attempt to prematurely leave the scene without providing any information, or even worse: deny that the accident ever happened. By having an officer come, it enables the officer to produce a driver’s exchange form and properly document the accident. This documentation may help you down the road when it is time for you or your attorney to deal with the insurance companies and other parties associated with the case.
Secure Traffic
Having an officer present at the scene is that it makes you safer from the traffic scene itself. This is particularly helpful when you are pulled over on a busy street with cars buzzing by. An officer at the scene will be able to use his or her own police car and lights to warn oncoming drivers of the accident. The officer will also be able to advise where the parties should place their cars post-accident.
Assurance
Having an officer come to the scene will make you safer in dealing with the other driver. You were just in an accident with a stranger; we do not know if this person is dangerous or a threat. Having the officer at the scene will discourage any misbehavior from the parties. Also, the officer will be able to independently question each party, which keeps your communication with the other party at a minimum.
Are there any circumstances where it is not worth calling the police? In the highly-limited circumstance where the accident is so minor that no vehicle damage or injuries are apparent, then most likely not. According to Florida law, it is only required to call the police under limited circumstances which include accidents involving an injury or death, an accident where the driver fled the scene, accidents involving a commercial motor vehicle, and so forth. However even in these very minor accidents, sometimes injuries or insurance issues can arise weeks or even months down the road. In other words, it is a safe bet to call the police.
