A motor vehicle collision is often a very inconvenient experience. People worry about the expenses generated. They may also spend hours dealing with the immediate aftermath of a crash. They may have to wait for the police to arrive to file a report. They may need to see a doctor to treat injuries or arrange to tow their vehicle to a repair shop. Such delays can be very frustrating, and some people prefer to bypass red tape and state involvement whenever possible.
Sometimes, the driver at fault for a crash may propose settling the matter privately without filing a crash report. While doing so may seem like a valid option, it could potentially have negative consequences. What are some of the reasons that avoiding a crash report could be a mistake?
1. The law mandates reporting
The simplest reason to give when denying a request to settle a crash without involving the police is the law. State statutes clearly require that the people involved in a collision stop to check on one another and report the matter to the appropriate authorities.
Failing to file a collision report is an illegal act. Drivers generally need to notify the authorities after their involvement in a wreck if anyone sustains injury or there is significant property damage.
2. The other driver may break their promises
In situations where one driver asks the other to handle crash issues privately, they may promise to cover vehicle repair costs and medical expenses out of pocket. However, they may not actually intend to follow through on those promises.
Without a police report validating that a crash occurred and identifying the other driver as the party at fault, it can be prohibitively difficult to enforce privately-made promises to cover the expenses of a collision.
3. Costs may be higher than either driver estimates
Even in situations where the driver proposing a private settlement makes the offer in good faith, they may not understand the scope of the crash yet. People can easily sustain invisible injuries that cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat and may affect their earning potential.
Vehicle damage that initially looks cosmetic can hide very serious issues such as structural damage or a bent axle. The true cost of the crash could go well beyond what the driver at fault can cover given their personal resources and income.
Those involved in motor vehicle collisions may have better chances of securing a favorable outcome if they follow the right process. Notifying authorities of the crash is an important step for those hoping to pursue compensation after a car crash.