Learn How to Handle Your Situation If You Didn’t Call the Cops After a Rideshare Accident
As a rideshare driver in Los Angeles, getting into a minor car accident can be stressful, especially when no police report is filed. While not every accident requires police involvement, it’s important to know how to handle the situation properly to protect yourself and your passengers. In a minor car accident without police report in Los Angeles, rideshare drivers must take extra steps to document the incident, report it to their rideshare company, and ensure they follow insurance protocols.
Short Summary
- Rideshare drivers in Los Angeles who experience a minor car accident without police involvement should prioritize safety, document the scene, report the incident to the rideshare company, and file claims with both personal and rideshare insurance. Thorough documentation and legal assistance can help protect drivers and ensure proper compensation, especially if liability is disputed.
- In California, drivers are legally required to report accidents involving injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days. While filing a police report for minor accidents is optional, it can be beneficial, especially when determining fault or handling disputes. Rideshare drivers should notify their platform immediately after an accident to ensure proper insurance handling and avoid complications with their account status. Filing claims with personal auto insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance ensures proper compensation for damages.
- Filing a police report after a minor car accident is crucial for several reasons: it helps clarify fault, protects your rights by documenting property damage, and can provide essential evidence to support your claim. Additionally, it can facilitate a resolution if there is a disagreement between you and the other driver.
What Every Driver Needs to Know About California Laws on Car Accidents
A police officer would typically file a report on behalf of the persons involved in an accident if they were near the accident scene. However, what happens when they aren’t in the area?
California law requires all traffic accidents to be properly reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days from the occurrence of the injury or property damage exceeding the amount of $1,000. If you report an accident beyond the prescribed period, it could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Filing a Report of Traffic Accidents Occurring in California (SR-1) with the DMV is strictly required by law no matter who is at fault. The report should be made aside from any other reports filed by the insurance company, law enforcers, or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Take note that such reports from them will not cure the defect of non-filing of SR-1. Hence, filing an SR-1 report is an indispensable requirement by California law.
Some might consider not filing a report because the accident is only minor. However, it is important to remember that California laws obligating drivers to report any accident did not exist for no reason. By all means, the law gives supremacy to the fact that people can later assert their rights such as filing an insurance claim. Ultimately, the report may also serve as evidence to substantiate your claim in the case when you decide to file one.
What Should I Consider Before Filing a Police Report?
After getting involved in a minor car accident, you might be thinking about whether to file a police report. What are the factors that you need to consider?
- It is inevitable that after a car accident, no matter how minor it is, you will lose your mental focus for a while. Chances are, you are doubtful about who is really at fault. In this regard, filing a police report is advisable to seek clarification on the situation.
- If your property or properties are damaged because of a minor car accident, filing a police report can help you protect your rights. You can secure pieces of evidence by filing a police report, which you can later use to support your claim.
- If you and the other driver disagree, filing a police report is extremely important. This will open the possibility of settling the matter amicably.
Don’t Be Scared To Handle A Minor Car Accident Without A Police Report
As a rideshare driver, by having a clear process in mind, you can be as calm as possible while protecting yourself and your passengers. Here are the essential steps to handle a minor car accident without a police report.
Carefully Assess the Situation
Keep calm and properly assess the situation. Check for injuries to yourself and anyone else involved. While it is a minor accident, injuries are not avoidable. It’s important to ensure that everyone is safe. Once you are certain no one got injured, safely move your vehicle to a safe spot to avoid traffic disruptions.
As part of assessing the situation, you can also exchange information with the other driver involved. Ensure you have their full name, contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle registration, and insurance information. You are also encouraged to gather the information of your passengers in case your insurance or rideshare company demands it.
Document the Accident
In all types of accidents, proper documentation is highly imperative. That is most especially so when it is without a police report. Start by taking videos or photos of the accident scene, as well as damage to the vehicles or any visible injuries. Make sure not to overlook the date, time, and location. If witnesses are nearby, you may also ask for their names and contact details. This can be helpful when filing insurance claims or if a dispute arises.
Report the Accident to Your Rideshare Company
As a rideshare driver, you should always make your platform aware of the accident as early as possible. Reach out to your rideshare company through customer service or an app. Before making a call, ensure you prepare all the relevant information about the accident, including the extent of damage and the information of witnesses and other drivers.
Understand your company’s policy on minor car accidents. Every rideshare platform provides particular guidelines for dealing with accidents. In most cases, failing to report an accident would result in complications with your insurance or account status.
File an Insurance Claim
In every minor car accident, insurance plays an important role in paying for compensation. Normally, a rideshare driver can file a claim with both personal auto and the rideshare company’s insurance. File a claim with your personal insurance to cover any potential liability. Also, submit a claim through the rideshare company’s insurance for damages or injuries that occurred during an active ride or while you were on duty.
When a Police Report is Necessary
While a police report may not be required for minor car accidents, there are times when involving law enforcement is necessary. If there are injuries, significant damage to either vehicle or disputes about what happened, it’s wise to contact the police. Even if you don’t call the police at the scene, you can still file a police report later, which may be needed for insurance or legal claims.
In cases where liability is unclear or the other party is uncooperative, having an official report could help protect you legally. If you decide to file a report after the accident, visit the nearest Los Angeles police station or submit one online, depending on local procedures.
Get Legal Help With a Minor Car Accident Without Police Report in Los Angeles
It is not a straightforward process to handle a minor car accident without a police report in Los Angeles. It involves being meticulous and strong command of calmness of mind. You have to keep yourself and your passengers safe, while at the same time, taking the necessary steps to support a successful claim later on.
As a rideshare driver, a personal injury attorney can help you throughout your recovery journey. With more than 30 years of experience, we will ensure that you will get the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve. Let’s work together and handle your minor car accident without a police report! Get a free initial consultation today. We can also help you with car accidents and motorcycle accidents.
