In California, the law requires that traffic accidents on street, highway, or private property to be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident if there was an injury, death, or property damage more than $1,000.00. Untimely reporting of the traffic accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles could result in the Department of Motor Vehicle suspending a driver license. California Vehicle Code § 1806 requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to record accident information regardless of fault and requires that the driver file an SR-1 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles regardless of whether they caused the collision.
Some drivers who are involved in a small auto collision try to avoid reporting the accident to their insurance for several reasons. First, these types of drivers assume that their insurance rates will increase because of reporting the incident. Second, these drivers sometimes assume that things can be worked out with the other driver without involving the insurance companies. Third, these drivers assume that there is little or no damage – or injuries.
I Don’t Want My Insurance Rates To Increase
The non-fault driver should not have an insurance rate increase for reporting the incident to their insurance carrier. This should apply even if they are using their collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, or underinsured motorist coverage. However, some insurance companies have complete discretion to remove any applicable discounts, such as good driver discounts or no accident discounts. As a result, the non-fault party’s insurance may still increase.
I Will Just Work It Out With The Other Driver
Accidents never work out with other drivers. Often, little damage and/or scratches could cost a few hundred dollars – but once a body shop inspects the vehicle, often times, they will find internal damage, or the cost of the paint is more than expected. The at-fault driver may not have the funds to pay out right away. This may cause the non-fault party to pay out of pocket. If no payment is made, reporting the incident to the insurance company after a few weeks may cause some doubts and possible denial of the claim.
I Was Not Hurt Immediately After The Accident
Thousands of car accidents occur every day that occur at a relatively low speed of 10mph or less. This is enough speed to cause whiplash when there’s a sudden stopping motion or an impact from behind which causes a person’s neck to snap forward and backwards quickly. The symptoms may not appear right away and take a few weeks to appear. It also does not take much force at all to cause a brain to rock against the inside of a skull. This can lead to bruising or bleeding of the brain. A low impact car accident can easily cause back or spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord can be tweaked from low impact, and the smallest tweak the wrong way could cause long term pain.
The first thing everyone should do when they are involved in a collision is to seek medical attention. Call 9-1-1 and wait for ambulance and emergency personnel to arrive at the scene to assess and address any injuries. No one should take any risks with their health. Many injuries such as spinal cord injuries, concussion symptoms, and other internal injuries can arise a few days following the collision. Those involved in an auto collision should always seek medical attention to make sure there are no potential injuries. Following up with a primary doctor just after a few days can do no harm.
Consult with an attorney
Lawyers are not experts in math, but they are experts in the law. Following an auto accident, it is important to have an attorney when reporting a claim to make sure all rights are protected and to ensure maximum recovery of the claim. Regardless of whether there are any injuries or damages, if an accident is being reported, seek consultation with an attorney.
Do not wait, never hesitate, and reach out to a professional attorney who is ready to work for you.
