Should I call the police after a minor car accident in Alabama?
Yes, THE LAW REQUIRES YOU CONTACT THE POLICE! LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT IS A CRIME. It is usually best to call law enforcement after a car accident, even if the crash seems minor. Contacting the police helps you document your accident and obtain witness statements and photographs you can use later if needed.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident is a CRIME. It can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. You also need to DOCUMENT your accident, and law enforcement does just that! Many injuries and vehicle-damage issues are not obvious immediately after a wreck. Neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder pain, and concussion symptoms can appear hours or days later. A police report also helps document the date, location, drivers, insurance information, witnesses, and the officer’s initial observations. In Tuscaloosa, a crash may involve the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Northport Police Department, ALEA troopers, or another local agency depending on where the wreck happened. If the other driver later changes the story, denies fault, or disappears, the accident report can become important evidence.
