After an auto accident in North Carolina, the first order of business is to call 911. Once emergency responders are on the scene, they will help you assess the situation and provide any necessary assistance. If there are any injuries, the police will get you paramedics that can provide you with the appropriate care.
Even in minor accidents where there appear to be no injuries, the police will determine who is at fault and issue tickets or fines. They will also create a police report, which would be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
But, what if the police don’t show up? While this is uncommon, it happens to some people, and they are often left worried about what to do. This article will give you some insight on what to do if you ever find yourself in this type of situation.
Why Might the Police Not Come to an Accident Scene?
People are often confused when the police do not come to the scene of an accident. But, before we discuss likely reasons, let us look at some statistics.
Each year, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) releases a report on 911 statistics in the United States. The report provides an overview of the number of 911 calls made each year, as well as a breakdown of the types of emergencies that people call about.
According to the latest report, Americans make approximately 240 million 911 calls each year. This accounts for roughly 2.5 calls per person. Hundreds of million 911 calls yearly also make an average of 657 calls per second.
As such, when a police officer is dispatched to an emergency call, the officer must prioritize the calls and respond to the most serious ones first. This may mean that a minor accident may not receive a police response if the officer is already on another emergency call.
The limited number of officers and resources available means that the police need to make sure that they are responding to the calls that will have the biggest impact. This can be frustrating for drivers who are involved in a minor accident, but it is important to remember that the police are responding to emergencies and cannot be everywhere at once.
Ramifications of Not Having Police Show Up After an Auto Accident
The ramifications of not having the police show up after an auto accident can be significant. One key issue is that the insurance companies for the drivers involved in the accident may not have a clear understanding of what happened and who is at fault.
North Carolina is an at-fault state, and a lack of a police report can lead to prolonged disputes about who should pay for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. In addition, if there is no police report, it may be more difficult to pursue any legal action against the other driver involved in the accident.
So, What Can You Do Once It Becomes Evident That the Police Might Not Show Up?
One possible response to the realization that the police may not show up is to take action yourself. You should take the following steps:
- First, call the police department and ask what happened.
- Second, take pictures of the scene and damage to both cars as evidence.
- Third, get the names and contact information of any witnesses as well as the name and contact information of the other driver.
- Fourth, if there is significant damage or someone was injured, get a friend or family member to file a police report online or, if you can, do so in person at a local precinct.
- Finally, consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.
If you decide to take this proposed course of action, be sure to document everything that happens and keep track of all communications.
Why Having a Trusted Attorney on Your Side Is Crucial in This Case
When you are in an auto accident, even if the police do show up, it is crucial to have a trusted attorney on your side. In this instance, an attorney can help you navigate the legal system and make sure that your rights are protected. If the police do not show up and you are trying to prove fault, having legal guidance can make all the difference.
An experienced Wilmington auto accident attorney can help you gather evidence and build a case that proves the other driver was at fault. This can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Contact Our Wilmington Personal Injury Attorneys
Flexner Houser Injury Law is a reliable and experienced law firm that is always willing and ready to fight for you.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a North Carolina accident, contact our North Carolina car accident legal team at Flexner Houser Injury Law today. We have a proven track record of success and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.