How long after an accident can I report it to the police?

Question

On Tuesday, a lady rear-ended me while I was stopped waiting to turn left onto road. I didn't even think to report the accident then. I contacted the lady and her insurance company says they will pay for the damages. I am still waiting to hear back from them and if it was too late to report it and should I report it if it isn't too late?

Answer 1

In most states, you have no longer than 36 hours to report or file a report to the police. After that, you are taking a chance of hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident being filed against you. Always at least file a police report with an accident. May not be bad, but that way you cover your self against any other claims against you.

Good Luck

Answer 2

if it was relatively minor you don't need to report it to police, but you can call them anyway if you feel like it. It takes a while for insurance companies to pay out, so if you don't hear from her in a week, call back. also contact her insurance company yourself if possible and be sure there is a claim filed and let them know you would like to be updated on it.  be sure you have pictures as well for evidence.

Answer 3

WELL YOU SHOULD HAVE REPORT IT WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND CAUSE THEN YOU DONT HAVE NO PROOF SHE DID IT OR DO YOU IF YES WHY DONT YOU CONTACT THE POLICE NUMBER NOT 911 BUT THE OTHER ONE LOOK IT UP IN THE YELLOW PAGES

Answer 4

Most states have a dollar value on accidents that require you to report the accident immediately.  Find out what your state's is.  If your damages are more than that,  you both are in trouble for not reporting it.

As for you,  you really screwed up.   You should have reported it immediately.   Since you did not,  she could have gone to the police and reported it.  She could have said you started to make the left turn,  realized you were going the wrong direction, stopped and backed up, hitting her car as she sat at the stop sign waiting for you to go.   She could have even circled back after you both left the scene, called the cops and reported you for hit and run.  Since you did not report it,  it is her word against yours and hers will mean more since you did not report it.    

By letting her drive off she could even deny being involved in the accident.  What you should have done was call the police and insist she wait there until they arrive.  If she drove off you would have information on her car and license number and she would get charged for hit and run.  

You need to go down and report the accident ASAP.   Bring any information you have with you such as her name and insurance numbers.  Then call her insurance company and tell them you want your car fixed.   Hopefully she is honest and did not take advantage of your mistakes.