Should you call the police immediately after an accident?
Yes. Immediately following an accident, it is critical that you contact the police. The reason is simple: you want to lock down all the witnesses and get all statements before people go back, speak to their adjuster or their family and friends, and change the story.
At LA Injury Attorneys, we see how much the first hour after a crash can shape everything that follows. Calling the police at the scene is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your claim.
By Alex Sarajian, LA Injury Attorneys
Why do witness statements need to be locked down at the scene?
Memories and stories are freshest right after an accident happens. At the scene, people describe what they saw before anyone has had a chance to shape their account.
Once people leave, things shift. A driver may talk to their insurance adjuster. A witness may go home and talk it over with family or friends. Over time, the version of events can change, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot.
When the police respond, they can take statements from the people involved and the witnesses who saw what happened. That puts the account on record while it is still close to what actually occurred.
How can a story change after an accident?
Stories rarely stay the same once people walk away from the scene. Some common ways accounts drift include:
- Talking to an adjuster. A person involved in the crash may speak with their insurance company and come away with a different way of describing events.
- Talking to family and friends. Retelling a story over and over can reshape it, and other people’s opinions can creep in.
- Witnesses leaving. Someone who saw the whole thing may be hard to find later if nobody got their information at the scene.
Our founder is a former insurance adjuster, so our team understands how insurers approach these conversations. A statement captured at the scene is much harder to walk back than one pieced together days later.
What does contacting the police accomplish for your injury claim?
Contacting the police helps lock everything down immediately following the accident. Instead of relying on what people remember or are willing to say weeks later, you have statements gathered at the moment it happened.
This matters whether you were hurt in Auto Accidents, Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Ride Share Accidents, or a bus accident. In each of these situations, early statements from the people involved and from witnesses can help clarify what happened.
What should you do next?
If you are able to do so safely, contact the police right after the accident, at the scene. Let them gather witness information and statements before everyone goes their separate ways.
Then talk to an attorney about your options. LA Injury Attorneys represents accident victims across Los Angeles and California, with offices serving Los Angeles, Burbank, North Hollywood, and El Segundo. We offer a free consultation, there are no fees unless we win, and we are available 24/7 to answer your questions during this difficult time.
Schedule A Free Consultation with LA Injury Attorneys to discuss your accident and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call the police after a car accident?
You should call the police immediately following the accident, while you are still at the scene. LA Injury Attorneys recommends this because it lets officers lock down witnesses and statements before anyone leaves. Waiting gives people time to speak with their adjuster, family, or friends, and their account of what happened may change before it is ever recorded.
Why do witness statements matter so much after an accident?
Witness statements matter because they capture what people saw while the event is fresh. LA Injury Attorneys explains that once witnesses and drivers leave the scene, they may talk to insurance adjusters, family, or friends and change the story. Statements taken by police at the scene help preserve an account that is closer to what actually happened.
Can the other driver change their story after talking to their insurance adjuster?
Yes, a driver’s story can shift after they speak with their insurance adjuster or with family and friends. That is why LA Injury Attorneys urges accident victims to contact the police at the scene. Getting statements recorded immediately following the accident makes it harder for anyone to change their version of events later when a claim is being evaluated.
Does LA Injury Attorneys charge for a consultation after an accident?
No. LA Injury Attorneys offers a free consultation so accident victims can discuss their claims in detail with a skilled and compassionate attorney. The firm works on a no fees unless they win basis and is available 24/7. It serves Los Angeles, Burbank, North Hollywood, El Segundo, and clients across California.
Disclaimer:Â This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every personal injury case is unique, and the laws that apply may vary depending on the specific facts. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have questions about your legal rights or deadlines, consult a qualified California attorney regarding your particular situation.