What To Do If The Police Fail To Show Up After A Florida Car Accident
After a car accident, the police are usually called to the accident scene. Sometimes, the police show up at the accident scene without delay. However, other times, it takes the police hours to arrive at an accident scene. In other cases, the police don’t even show up. So, what should you do if you get into a Florida auto accident and the police fail to arrive at the accident scene? Read on to find out.
When Should You Make a Report After a Florida Auto Accident?
According to Florida Statute 316.065, a driver who gets involved in a crash that results in injury or death or property damage of at least $500 is required to report the accident to the local police department using the fastest means of communication. Usually, the quickest way to communicate an accident to the police is by calling 911. So, in other words, a driver who gets involved in a crash that results in injury or death or property damage of at least $500 is required by law to report the crash by calling 911.
Why Would the Police Fail To Show Up at an Accident Scene?
It is estimated that, in the U.S., every year, 240 million calls are made to 911. If the police do not have the resources to respond, they may pass on a call. The police may also pass on a call if they’re dealing with a more urgent emergency. These are just two of the very many reasons why the police would fail to show up at an accident scene.
Steps To Take if the Police Fail To Show Up at the Accident Scene
So, you have been in an accident with a negligent driver, and the police haven’t shown up. What should you do? In such a case, you’d need to gather all relevant and available evidence at the accident scene if you plan on filing a claim against the other driver. You would need to document all relevant details that could help you prove liability. Usually, when the police come to the accident scene, they prepare a police report. If the police do not show up, it is up to you to record all relevant details that can help you prove fault on the other driver’s part.
The following are some of the evidence you can gather at the scene of an auto accident;
- The other parties’ insurance information
- Pictures of their vehicle – including their license plate
- Pictures of, among other things, skid marks, vehicle damage, weather, road conditions, injuries, and traffic signals
- Witnesses’ contact information
That said, as it pertains to the police report, if the police fail to show up at the accident scene, you can self-report your accident to the nearest police station. You may also be able to file a police report online.
Going to the hospital from the accident scene also supports that you were injured during the crash – with our without a crash report.
Contact a Parkland Car Accident Lawyer
If you suffered a personal injury in a Florida car accident and the police failed to show up at the scene of your accident, it is crucial that you hire a skilled attorney. Our Parkland car accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder can help you gather evidence that can strengthen your claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
