What To Do If You Call 9-1-1 After An Auto Accident And The Police Fail To Show Up
Most people know that one of the first things you should do after an auto accident is to call the police to the accident scene. But, have you ever wondered what you are supposed to do after calling the police to an accident scene and they take too long to show up or fail to show up? Cases, where the police take too long to get to an accident scene or fail to show up at all at an accident scene, are not uncommon. In this article, we will discuss, among other things, the things you should do if you call 9-1-1 after an auto accident and the police fail to show up.
When Are You Supposed To Do After A Florida Auto Accident?
According to Florida Statute 316.065, a driver who gets into an accident that results in injury or death or property damage of at least $500 is required to report their accident. If you get into such an accident and fail to report your accident, you will be charged with a nonmoving violation.
Why Would the Police Not Come To the Accident Scene?
After calling 9-1-1 to an accident scene, the last thing you expect is to spend hours at the accident scene waiting for an officer. However, the reality is that the police do not show up at every accident scene.
So, why would the police fail to show up at an accident scene? According to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), approximately 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in the U.S. every year. This means that every day, about 658,000 calls are made to 9-1-1. With this number of emergencies, it is clear that there are several genuine reasons why the police would fail to show up at an accident scene.
With that said, it is vital to note that police officers are less likely to show up at an accident scene when the accident is minor or involves no injuries or damages. Indeed, people usually call a separate phone number for non-emergency cases. However, depending on various things, such as the available resources, the police can still fail to show up even if your accident involves serious injuries and/or substantial property damage.
What Should You Do if the Police Fail To Show Up at the Accident Scene?
Usually, when the police show up at an accident scene, they fill out an accident report and document the scene. A police report can be a vital piece of evidence. Usually, a police report contains a police officer’s investigation of a crash, information about the involved parties, and other crucial information. If you call 9-1-1 after a Florida car accident and the police fail to show up at the accident scene, you might become concerned about the police report. Fortunately, in Florida, if the police fail to show up at the accident scene after you call them, you are allowed to self-report your accident in lieu of a law enforcement officer completing the accident report.
Apart from self-reporting your accident, there are other things you should consider doing if the police fail to show up at an accident scene, especially if you plan to file a personal injury claim. For example, you need to make sure you gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene (as long as you are in a condition that allows you to do so). Below is some of the evidence you should strive to collect at an accident scene;
- Images and videos of things such as vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, weather and road conditions, and traffic signals.
- Witness statements and/or information such as their contact information and names.
- Contact information, names, driver’s license, insurance information, and any other pertinent information from other parties involved in the crash.
The evidence you gather can help you prove liability after you file a personal injury claim. The evidence you gather can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Your Next Steps After a Florida Auto Accident
Firstly, whether or not the police come to the scene of your auto accident, it is crucial for you to seek medical attention immediately. Irrespective of the extent of your injuries, it is best that you seek medical help after a Florida auto accident.
Secondly, you need to report your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, it is advisable that you allow an attorney to help you communicate with your insurance company.
Contact a Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney
It is crucial that you have a skilled attorney by your side, especially if the police fail to show up at the scene of your accident. Our Fort Myers car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro can help. Do not hesitate to contact us.
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