Do you need to report an accident if no other car was involved and there were no injuries?
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Do you need to report an accident if no other car was involved and there were no injuries?
I was driving on a county road, hydroplaned and hit a tree on the side of the road on a common area. Damage to the tree was minimal but my car took a substantial hit on the front end. I was not injured and no one else was in the car. I drove home afterwards. Should I have reported it to the police? What will I need to do for my insurance?
Asked on December 1, 2010 under Accident Law, Florida
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Generally speaking, most every state has a law that requires you to report an accident regardless of how many vehicles were involved. I would consider going to the county police that would be in charge of the are in which you had the accident and report it now. State that you were very shaken up at the time and only wanted to get home. As for your insurance company, you need to report the accident as soon as you can, especially if you wish to make a claim. You do not want them to disclaim coverage in any way do to your failure to follow the requirements under your policy. Good luck.
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