Sometimes police officers are tied up with higher-priority calls, the dispatcher decides your accident isn’t serious enough to send someone out, or an accident happens in a rural area where police aren’t available. It’s not ideal, but it happens. If the police didn’t show up after your car accident, you may need to collect the necessary information and file a crash report yourself.
You can try to file an insurance claim or take legal action after a car accident without a police report, but it may be more difficult to obtain compensation without this crucial piece of evidence. If you choose to work with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer, they can help you file an accident report, collect evidence, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Steps to Take When the Police Don’t Show Up After An Accident
After a crash, you should check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on the hazard lights.
Once everyone is safe and emergency services are on the way, your next priority is to collect information. This is especially important after a motorcycle accident, when injuries tend to be more severe and details from the scene can make a big difference later. A Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer can help you use that information to support your insurance claim or explore your legal options.
Gather these details from the other involved driver(s):
- Full name and contact info
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Make, model, and color of the vehicle
If any bystanders saw the crash, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their statements could help, especially if your version of events conflicts with the other driver’s. Then, use your camera to capture the accident scene. Make sure to get photos of:
- All vehicles involved from different angles
- Close-ups of any damage (even small scrapes)
- The road, nearby signs or signals, skid marks, and any hazards
- Any visible injuries
Also, write down what happened while it’s still fresh, including the time, weather, traffic conditions, and what the other driver said. These small details could be helpful in your personal injury claim later if questions arise.
What If the Other Driver Lies or Leaves?
Unfortunately, some people are dishonest, and a driver giving you fake info or driving off (a hit-and-run), happens more often than it should. If the driver gives false info or speeds off, try to:
- Write down their license plate number
- Note the make, model, and color of the car
- Call 911 to report the hit-and-run
- Ask witnesses what they saw
This info can help the police find the driver and may protect your insurance claim. A Fort Lauderdale hit and run accident lawyer can also be very valuable in the investigation.
Do You Need to Call the Police After Every Auto Accident?
Minor accidents may not require a police report. According to Florida Statutes § 316.065, you must call the police after a crash if:
- Someone is hurt or killed
- There’s significant property damage (more than $500)
- One or more vehicles need to be towed
- There’s a hit-and-run
- You suspect the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Even after a minor car accident, it’s still a good idea to call the police. An accident report can provide helpful documentation later, especially if a dispute arises about what happened.
How to File a Police Report Yourself
In Florida, if a law enforcement officer doesn’t respond to the scene, you should file a crash report on your own within 10 days. You can do it online through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website. If you have a car accident attorney, they can help you with this process.
Can I Still File an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit If There’s No Police Report for a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
You can try to file a claim or lawsuit after an accident without a police report, but it will likely make things trickier. Insurance companies often rely on police reports to help determine fault. After a traffic accident without a police report, it could turn into a “he said, she said” situation. Gathering as much information and evidence as possible may help support your claim.
Truck accidents are often more complex legal situations. Crashes involving commercial vehicles often involve multiple liable parties, like the driver, trucking company, or even cargo loaders. You may want to consult with a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer to better understand your legal options.
Get a Free Motor Vehicle Accident Case Evaluation and Help From Our Legal Team
Insurance claims and paperwork can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries. You might not have the time or the energy to deal with insurance adjusters, chase down documents, or make sense of legal jargon. Our legal team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and options from day one. We will explain your legal situation clearly.
Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, a totaled vehicle, or just trying to determine what to do next, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can be a resource if you’re feeling overwhelmed and want legal guidance. The process starts with a free case evaluation so you can get the answers you need without the stress of upfront costs or commitments. Call (954) 633-8270 today.
