Should You Call the Cops for a Fender Bender in Tampa, FL?

January 7, 2023 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 5.2 million auto crashes nationwide in 2020. These accidents resulted in the death of 38,824 people and injuries to over 2.2 million people.

If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of being involved in a car accident, you might wonder whether you should call the cops. Below, we discuss some of the key reasons why you should call 911 after a Tampa fender bender.

Are Florida Drivers Required To Call 911 After a Collision?

Florida law requires anyone involved in an auto accident that results in any of the following to immediately report the accident to the police:

Injury
Death
Property damage of at least $500

Since the cost to replace a fender bender can easily equal thousands of dollars, even seemingly minor collisions will probably result in damage that exceeds the threshold to make the call.

You Can Get an Objective Car Accident Report

One of the most important reasons to contact the police after a car accident is so that you can get them to respond to the scene to prepare an accident report.

This police report will contain important information, such as:

Information that identifies the other driver
The other driver’s insurance information
A description of the location of the accident
Initial opinions regarding fault
Weather and road conditions
Witness information
A record of visible damage

This report can be essential if you want to file an insurance claim.

Your Auto Insurance Company Will Ask

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. In the event of an accident, you first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for coverage. Your insurance company will likely ask you if you contacted the police and if you have a report.

Having an objective police report can help establish:

An accident occurred
You were involved in the accident
Your injuries were caused by the accident

Having a police report can also be helpful in preserving your memory of the accident while your memory is fresh.

You Can Get Prompt Medical Treatment

If you suspect you or someone else was injured in the accident, the best thing to do is call 911. In addition to having police respond to the scene, calling 911 will give you the opportunity to request an ambulance. You can be transported to the local hospital, where your injuries will promptly be identified and treated.

Accident victims may suffer serious injuries, even in low-speed accidents. These injuries may include:

Whiplash
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal organ damage
Spinal cord injuries
Fractures
Strains or sprains

These injuries are not always immediately noticeable, so getting a prompt check-up may help you learn about these injuries so you can begin taking the necessary steps to heal.

You May Need Evidence Against the Other Driver

If you suffered serious injuries, you can step outside of the no-fault system.

You may need cops to respond to the scene of the accident if you believe the other driver was at fault, especially if they may have broken the law by:

Drinking and driving
Driving while impaired by illicit drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medicine
Driving recklessly
Using a cell phone while driving
Committing a hit and run
Driving without a valid license
Driving without insurance

Police can conduct an investigation. Their findings may assist you in recovering compensation for any future civil claim you make.

If you were hurt in an accident, your first call should be to call 911. Your second should be to a qualified Tampa car accident lawyer.

Contact the Tampa Car Accident Law Firm of Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.

We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D, Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 493-4418

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196