Do I need a police report to file an insurance claim?
You don’t always need a police report to file an insurance claim, but it can make the process much easier. Further, you might need a police report to comply with the law.
In Georgetown, you must call the police if someone is injured. However, you should file a report if there’s property damage or if the other driver is uninsured or suspected of being under the influence. For minor accidents, like fender benders, a police report isn’t required but can still be helpful for your claim.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident, a car accident attorney will help protect your rights and seek fair compensation.
When Is a Police Report Beneficial in Georgetown?
In some cases, you should - or must - call the Georgetown Police Department:
- If someone is hurt or killed
- If there’s a lot of damage (usually over $1000)
- If the accident is blocking traffic
- If you suspect the other driver is drunk or on drugs
- If the other driver doesn’t have insurance
You might not need to call the police if it’s just a small fender bender in a parking lot, like at the Georgetown Walmart, there are no injuries, both drivers agree on what happened, and the damage is very minor. But even in these cases, a police report can still be helpful.
Why Police Reports Are Useful for Insurance Claims in Georgetown
Police reports can be helpful when filing a claim in Georgetown for the following reasons, among others:
- They provide an official record of what happened
- They include any citations or arrests
- They include important details like date, time, and location
- They often have diagrams of how the accident happened
- They include statements from drivers and witnesses
- They can provide opinions on who was at fault
Following a crash, you can ask the officer for the report number at the scene. You can also call the Georgetown Police Department a few days later to see if it’s ready, and you might need to pay a small fee to get a copy. You can request reports in person at the Georgetown Police Department on North Fraser Street. Keep the report safe - you might need it later!
You can also contact a car accident attorney and allow them to obtain the police report with other important evidence for your case.
Can I File a Claim Without a Police Report in Georgetown?
Yes, you can file a claim without a police report, insurance companies and attorneys can still investigate what happened in other ways. They’ll ask for your version of what happened and might ask for pictures and other evidence. The claim process might take longer without a report and liability might be in greater dispute. However, never assume you have no rights without a police report.
Contact a Georgetown Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been in a car accident, having a police report can make filing your insurance claim much easier. Oxner & Stacy Law Firm LLC car accident lawyers can help guide you through the entire legal process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 843-527-8020 or contact us online for a case evaluation today.