You are driving the same route you always take, when suddenly and without any warning another car smashes into your car. You are dazed, shocked, possibly injured, and completely shaken by the impact. After pulling over you speak with the other driver and they beg you to “not call the cops!” They tell you that they will pay for the damages. It sounds easy to you and you think you might do them a favor. Also, you are starting to hurt, you want to get home, and do not want to wait for the police to show up and write a report. You just want this nightmare to go away!
STOP!!!
While this sounds easy, you might be creating an even bigger nightmare for later. The truth is that if you do not have a police report, you do not really have anything that may help you prove that the other person was at fault. The other party can ignore your calls, refuse to pay, or change their story. If you were lucky enough to get their car insurance information from them at the scene, the adjuster may not agree to pay for your damages. This is especially true if their insured is stating that they were not at fault. Then what? Then you are left with pain, injuries, and a damaged vehicle with no choice but to pay out of pocket or go through your insurance own company. You may have lost the battle before it even started!
OR
You contact the police and while waiting for them to arrive, get the insurance information from the other driver. The police office will evaluate the scene, speak to witnesses, and possibly, issue a ticket to the at fault party. They will give you a case number to get a copy of the police report when it is ready. With the police report and the information contained in it, you have more evidence and power with the insurance company.
Having a police report and documentation of the incident can dramatically change the path and frustration level for your personal injury case.
