What Happens If a Car Accident Doesn’t Have a Police Report?

It is always a good idea to contact the police after an automobile accident to report the crash and request a police report. This document can prove invaluable during an insurance claim, as it contains facts and information about the collision, the involved parties and the damage caused. However, even if you fail to notify the police and obtain a report, you can still file a car accident claim and seek compensation in Colorado.

Can I File a Car Insurance Claim Without a Police Report?

Yes, it is possible to file a claim with a car insurance company without a police accident report. A police report is not a mandatory prerequisite for filing a claim. A policyholder still maintains the same rights to recover financial compensation under an insurance policy as he or she would with a police report. However, the absence of a police report can mean additional steps must be taken to prove the case and recover benefits.

How to File a Car Accident Claim Without a Police Report

First, make an effort to document the scene of the car accident before you leave. Exchange information with the other parties involved, including the driver, any passengers and eyewitnesses. Take photographs of the scene of the accident, being sure to capture damage to one or both vehicles.

Seek medical attention immediately. Explain to the doctor that you have been involved in a car accident. Obtain copies of your medical bills and records, which can prove essential if you need to file an insurance claim for injuries suffered. Without a police report, the evidence you gather on your own can provide the basis of your claim.

Report the car accident to your car insurance company as soon as possible. When asked for the police report, state that you do not have one. If you plan on visiting the police precinct and getting a report later or filing your own report with the Department of Motor Vehicles, do so promptly and send copies of the report to the insurance company.

Here, you can learn more about how to report a car accident in Colorado.

What Happens If There Is No Police Report?

You will need to know the other driver’s information – including name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN) and insurance policy information – if you do not have a police report that contains these facts. It will be your responsibility to give this information to your insurance company.

Before covering your damages, the insurance company will investigate the crash to determine if you are eligible for coverage. Without a police report supporting your claim, expect an insurance claims adjuster to ask additional questions about the crash and request further information and documentation from you to process the claim.

Be cautious about making statements to the insurance claims adjuster. Without a police report, it is your word against the other driver’s; you may not have hard evidence that the other driver was speeding, texting and driving, or breaking other laws since the police did not visit the scene or ticket the driver. Answer questions from an insurance adjuster honestly, but do not give more information than is necessary. Do not admit fault or apologize for the auto accident.

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer for Assistance

If your insurance company attempts to blame you for the crash in the absence of a police report, you may need to hire a car accident attorney in Fort Collins to support your claim. An attorney can hire qualified experts, such as crash reconstruction specialists, to analyze the evidence and re-create the collision. A lawyer can take over settlement negotiations with a car insurance company to fight for a fair outcome on your behalf, with or without a police report available.