What happens if the police take a long time to arrive at an accident scene in Arlington?
Arlington, LA – After any car crash, there are procedures that need to be followed to avoid consequences from each driver’s insurance company or even criminal charges. Ideally, law enforcement and an ambulance should arrive at an accident scene within minutes of receiving notice to provide assistance to anyone who was injured and start their investigation. However, this is not always the case due to things like traffic, the location of the accident, and the workload of the police. At times, it can be quite a while before law enforcement arrives at a crash site.
Leaving the scene of the accident
A driver should never leave the scene without stopping and making contact with the others involved. A person who does so can be charged with a crime and they may face a driver’s license suspension as part of their punishment under Louisiana law.
Witness statements
If there are witnesses who may have information about the collision, the drivers can speak with them to get statements and their contact information. While this is normally done by the police during their investigation, the drivers can be proactive if it appears that the police are not going to show up or if they are taking a very long time to arrive.
What accidents do not need to be reported to the police?
Certain minor accidents can be resolved with the drivers involved exchanging information and each contacting their insurance companies. State law says that an accident only needs to be reported to local police if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage that appears to be above $500 in total. However, $500 worth of vehicle repairs is not a very large amount, so in practice most accidents will likely need to be reported.
Preserving information for lawsuits
Things like a police report and witness statements can be crucial if there is going to be a lawsuit against the driver responsible for the crash. This is why a driver should always make their best effort to report the crash, gather information, and then get legal advice regarding how to proceed to preserve their chances of receiving compensation. More specific details about the possibility of a lawsuit can be obtained at a later time.
Legal advice following a motor vehicle accident in Louisiana
Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is an accident firm that works with local clients in Arlington and nearby parts of Louisiana. Their lawyers can provide advice about the process to bring a civil lawsuit for compensation and the potential value of the case.
USAttorneys.com is a referral service that gets people connected with the right lawyer to match their needs. Those who are looking for the right legal professional can call 800-672-3103
Firm contact info:
Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf
3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
www.mlhlaw.com
