When you are involved in a car crash that seems minor, you may think it’s a waste of resources to contact the police. After all, there was only minor cosmetic damage, and you feel fine despite hitting your head. As such, you and the other driver work it out, without police involvement. However, this may not be the best decision. If you are involved in a car collision, regardless of how minor it seems, it’s in your best interest to call the police and contact an experienced San Angelo, Texas auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn why this is important.
Do I Really Have to Call the Police?
If you are involved in a collision, it may not seem necessary to call the police, especially if you and the other driver agree to work something out. However, if there was damage to a vehicle estimated at $1,000 or more, serious injury, or death, it is required by Texas law to contact law enforcement. As such, it’s in your best interest to always call 911 following a crash. Unfortunately, you may not know how expensive the damage to your vehicle is or understand the severity of any injuries, as some may not present until a few days after the crash.
Why Is It Important to Contact Law Enforcement?
Aside from abiding by the law, calling the police following a crash is essential to protecting yourself and other drivers on the road. When the police arrive, they can help control the flow of traffic around the scene of the collision to prevent additional collisions. Similarly, this allows the police to investigate the scene safely.
The police will conduct an investigation by examining the damage to the vehicles, speaking to the drivers, and interviewing witnesses. This information will be compiled into a police report, which you can obtain a copy of at a later date. Be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer responsible for filing the report.
What Should I Do if I Want to Pursue Legal Action?
If you want to pursue legal action, the most important thing you must do is contact an inexperienced attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, car crash cases can be complex, especially when you’re trying to recover from conditions like traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, or organ damage. As such, letting an experienced attorney handle these complex legal matters will allow you to focus on healing.
At the Mathis Law Firm, we understand that car crashes can have devastating impacts on your life. With this in mind, we will work tirelessly to fight for the justice you deserve when you’re injured due to another party’s negligence. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you through this process.
