When you’re involved in a car accident, your first thoughts are often a mix of shock and worry. You may wonder, “What should I do next?” and one question that frequently arises is whether or not to call the police. Here in California, calling the police after an accident isn’t always required, but there are certain circumstances when it’s strongly recommended. Here’s a breakdown of when, why, and how calling the police can be beneficial, especially if you’re in need of collision repair in Santa Rosa, California.
When Should You Call the Police?
In California, you’re required to report an accident to law enforcement if:
- There’s an injury or death – Any accident involving injuries or fatalities must be reported to the local police or the California Highway Patrol.
- There’s significant property damage – If property damage exceeds $1,000, the California DMV mandates that you file an SR-1 Report of Traffic Accident within 10 days. While this isn’t the same as calling the police, filing a police report can help substantiate the claim.
- The other driver is uncooperative – If you suspect that the other driver is under the influence, lacks insurance, or seems aggressive, it’s often best to have the police document the scene.
Even in minor accidents, having an official report can be helpful if you decide to seek collision repair from a reliable auto body shop, like Cline Collision Center. The police report serves as valuable documentation for your insurance claim.
Benefits of Calling the Police
There are several advantages to involving law enforcement, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident:
- Accurate Documentation of the Incident When the police arrive, they document the accident in an official report, noting the circumstances, damages, and parties involved. This report can serve as a valuable piece of evidence if any disputes arise later.
- Facilitating the Insurance Claim Process Most insurance companies prefer (or even require) a police report to substantiate claims. If you need collision repair in Santa Rosa, California, having a police report can streamline the process with your insurance provider, ensuring your repairs are covered.
- Safety and Security In cases involving aggressive drivers or suspected DUI, calling the police provides additional safety for you and other drivers. Law enforcement ensures the situation doesn’t escalate and that all information is collected accurately.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you’re in a car accident and need help determining whether to call the police, follow these steps:
- Check for Injuries – Safety comes first. Make sure everyone involved is safe and call emergency services if anyone needs medical attention.
- Move to a Safe Location – If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. This minimizes the risk of a secondary accident and helps the police and emergency services access the scene easily.
- Exchange Information – Gather the contact and insurance details of the other party involved in the accident.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the damage, the surrounding area, and any relevant details. This will be helpful for both your insurance company and the collision repair shop.
- Call the Police (When Required) – If the accident involves injury, significant damage, or an uncooperative driver, call the police to document the incident.
How Cline Collision Center Can Help After an Accident
At Cline Collision Center, we understand that the aftermath of an accident can be stressful. That’s why our team is committed to providing top-notch collision repair in Santa Rosa, California. We can help with the Insurance Company, Loaner Car and getting your car to our shop. As an OEM-certified collision repair shop, we’re equipped to handle repairs for Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Kia, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, and Acura vehicles. When you bring your vehicle to us, you can trust that you’re getting the best quality repairs.
Why Choose an OEM-Certified Repair Shop?
Choosing an OEM-certified repair shop ensures that your vehicle is repaired to manufacturer specifications, using genuine parts. This helps maintain the safety, value, and performance of your car. At Cline Collision Center, we pride ourselves on being the best auto body shop in Santa Rosa, backed by a team of skilled technicians and the latest technology to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
