It’s a common misconception that police will respond to any crash. If that were the situation, they would not have time for anything else. Police will likely only respond to the crash scene under specific circumstances, and the city of Cincinnati has particular rules which govern police reporting on a car accident.
Medical Attention is Necessary
Most car accidents have minimal injuries, and many people don’t seek medical attention. However, if someone is unconscious, bleeding, or was injured by the airbag deployment, you will need an officer on the scene.
Cops will often arrive at a crash scene if the initial reporting of the crash contains injuries. They will be there not only to file an official report but to aid traffic coordination while other first responders work. They may block off part of the road or create a barrier for the privacy of the victims.
Fatalities
If a fatality is part of crash police must respond to the crash scene. Not only do they need to make a full report of the event, but now the crash scene is a crime scene. Although not every fatality results in criminal charges, each fatality is initially treated as a crime. Crashes often occur because of negligence or carelessness, and that is grounds for manslaughter charges.
The scene will go through thorough documentation, and police may arrest at the scene depending on the situation and surrounding events.
Extensive Property Damage
Property damage surpassing $1,000 will warrant the police to respond to the crash scene. Even if no one is hurt, the police will need to make a formal record of the damage, and its extent.
Suspicion of Dangerous Situations
Let’s say that you’re in a crash, but you strongly believe that the driver who hit you was intoxicated. Or perhaps the driver is angry, shouting, and becoming belligerent. If you are afraid to leave your vehicle or believe that you and your passengers may be in danger, contact the police.
In these situations, you still cannot leave the scene. Leaving the crash scene for any reason is considered fleeing the scene. However, you can contact 911 and inform them that you need an officer because the scene is not safe. Explain what is fueling your suspicion that this person is dangers and the emergency operator may keep you on the phone until the police arrive.
Cincinnati Auto Accident Lawyers Provide Guidance
Many people don’t realize that the police won’t respond to every scene until they are told that the police won’t be coming. For the victims of a crash, it’s a stunning and concerning statement. If you needed police at your scene, and they did not respond to documenting the scene probably fell to you.
As you get a Cincinnati car accident lawyer, prepare your statement, and get ready to make your claim, it may be best if you explain why the police did not respond. It may have been routine. It may also explain why some aspects of your case are not documented as thoroughly as if the police had done it.
You are still responsible for filing a report. Cincinnati has its system and rules for filing a police report after a crash. Even if the police don’t respond, you can submit an official report usually by phone or by heading into a local police station. When submitting a report, you will need the vehicle information for all cars involved, the location of the crash, and other details.
This report will help you claim as it will serve as a formal statement which can serve as a defense to false claims made from other drivers. If you have other questions or concerns about filing different types of reports, you should contact an attorney.
Get in Touch with a Car Crash Lawyer Now
The Ohio Car Accident Lawyers make themselves available to the residents of Cincinnati, and they work diligently to defend the victims of crashes. If you were in a crash because of someone else’s negligence, it’s vital that you pursue full compensation.
Injuries, issues with financial recovery, and the extent of property damage are just some of the factors that are part of the compensation you deserve. But getting full compensation without a police report is difficult and, in some cases, impossible.
Bringing a lawyer onto your crash claim may be able to clear up some issues which arose from the earlier events of the crash. Learn to navigate this tough road and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
