Maison Law helps people in Turlock who’ve been hurt in car accidents–whether it was major or minor. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed afterward, but one of the most helpful things you can do is get a police report. Even if it’s not used in court, it can still be a valuable tool for your insurance claim. If you’re unsure how to get or use the report, we can guide you through it. Reach out for a free consultation.
Do I Even Need to File a Police Report After a Minor Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a minor car accident in Turlock, you’re probably wondering if it’s really necessary to call the police. Usually, the answer is yes. This will allow a police officer to come to the scene, manage it, and help you gather important information. When it comes to the actual police report, though, it’s important to understand that they aren’t always admissible in court as direct evidence, especially if the officer didn’t witness the actual accident.
That said, a police report still carries weight–especially with insurance companies–because it includes important details like:
- The officer’s on-scene observations
- Statements from drivers, passengers, or witnesses
- A basic diagram or summary of how the accident likely happened
- Any citations or violations issued
Even if the report isn’t the final word in court, it’s a very important tool for telling your side of the story, especially when there’s a disagreement over what happened. Moreover, insurance companies rely on it to assess claims and decide how financially responsible their insured person is.
What Other Things Do You Need to Do After a Minor Car Accident?
After a car accident where the damage looks minor and no one seems seriously hurt, it might feel unnecessary to involve the police. But that decision could come back to bite you–especially if injuries show up later or the other driver changes their story. When that happens, it’s all about having good documentation and information. To do that, here’s what else you should do at the scene:
- Take photos – Document vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs or lights. These can be crucial later.
- Exchange information – Swap names, insurance, contact info, and license plate numbers with the other driver. If there are witnesses, get their details too.
- Be careful with statements – Just try to stick to the facts when talking about what happened. Avoid admitting fault or saying you’re fine–it’s common for symptoms to show up days later.
- Keep all documentation – Save the police report, medical records, repair bills, photos, and any communication with insurance companies.
These small steps can make a big difference if the situation escalates later or your injuries turn out to be more serious than you thought.
What Damages Can I Get in a Car Accident Claim?
Whether your car accident is minor or serious, there’s going to be some level of damage. Even something as simple as a fender-bender on Golden State Boulevard can result in injuries or car repairs. And when the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the ability to file an injury claim for “damages” that include things like:
- Medical bills and long-term care – This covers ER visits, follow-ups, rehab, and future treatment if needed.
- Vehicle repairs or replacement – These are costs relating to damage to your car or other property.
- Lost wages and future earnings – These are costs relating to time missed from work or long-term job loss due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life.
- Emotional distress – These are costs relating to mental health struggles like anxiety or PTSD after the accident.
- Reduced quality of life – This covers the ways your daily life or relationships have changed.
No matter how minor your car accident is, you have the ability to file this claim and recover your damages. But you have to file within two years of the date of the accident. Miss it, and you can’t file a claim at all.
How Can Maison Law Help You After a Minor Car Accident in Turlock?
Even a minor car accident can create major headaches. Between dealing with insurance companies, figuring out who’s at fault, and trying to recover from any injuries, it can quickly feel like more than you bargained for. While you don’t have to hire a lawyer, working with someone who knows the system can make everything much simpler. Here’s how our team at Maison Law can help you in Turlock:
- Helping you understand your rights and make smart decisions after the accident.
- Investigating the accident to figure out what really happened. We gather records, review photos, and sort through the details.
- Talking with insurance companies. We handle all the conversations with the insurance companies so you don’t have to stress about saying the wrong thing.
- Negotiating for a fair settlement. We push for a fair resolution that reflects your injuries, lost time, and property damage. If the insurance company won’t do that, we’ll then help you file a lawsuit in civil court.
Just because your car accident wasn’t catastrophic doesn’t mean you have to handle it alone. At Maison Law, we take minor accidents seriously–because we know they can still disrupt your life. We’re here to help you sort it out and move forward with confidence. If you want help figuring out your next steps, reach out today to set up a free consultation.
