Personal Injury | June 9, 2021 by JOSHUA D. ANDERSON
Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident?
It’s common to feel confused and overwhelmed after a car accident. But besides seeking medical treatment, it also can be important to call the police after an accident. Authorities can help in many ways, as can a Bonney Lake car accident attorney.
Getting into a car accident in Bonney Lake can be overwhelming and upsetting. However, an accident also raises other time-sensitive issues and questions. A common question that arises is “Should I call the police after a car accident?”
The answer to this question is often “yes.” Washington State may require you to report accidents that result in over $1,000 in property damage or injuries. While you can report certain crashes online, calling the police to the scene can have other benefits, as well, as can calling a Bonney Lake car accident lawyer.
Follow the Law
As in every state, it is unlawful in Washington to leave the scene of an accident. Similarly, it is important that you heed the reporting requirements for a collision causing over $1,000. You should always stop and assess the damage and injuries that might have resulted from a crash. If you know you are injured, you should consider calling 911. This will not only send police officers to the scene but may also send medical professionals who can examine your condition and advise whether you need emergency treatment.
Evidence for Your Car Accident Claim
In order to hold someone responsible for your crash-related injuries and damage, you must prove they were at fault for the accident. This requires evidence and having a police report may provide evidence of who was responsible for the collision. This can happen in different ways:
- Police should write up an accident report, which might have the information you can use to help prove your claim, as well as the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Officers should gather information from everyone involved and other witnesses, which can help if you were unable to get all of this information yourself. This can help your attorney get in touch with witnesses who could testify in your favor.
- If police officers believe that the other driver violated the law, they may issue a citation or make an arrest for serious offenses.
Seek Legal Assistance from Experienced Bonney Lake Car Accident Attorneys Today.
Our Bonney Lake car accident attorneys at Anderson Law, PLLC, routinely assist victims of all kinds of motor vehicle accidents. Contact us online or call 253-319-1219 to find out how we may assist you with your case.
The information contained on this website is intended for informational purposes only, and is not legal advice. Nothing in this website establishes an attorney-client relationship between us. Different facts can dramatically affect a legal opinion. You should consult an attorney for legal advice that pertains to your personal situation.
Joshua D. Anderson
Attorney Joshua D. Anderson grew up in Enumclaw, Washington with a close-knit family who instilled in him the values of faith, family, and hard work. Since a young age, Josh knew he wanted to be an attorney so he could advocate for others and always knew his focus would be personal injury. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of San Diego and graduated Cum Laude from Seattle University School of Law. While pursuing his degree, Josh served as an extern for the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.
