You can claim a car accident without a police report in Washington State, but it may be more challenging to prove what happened. Insurance companies often rely on police reports to help decide who is at fault.
Without one, it becomes even more important to have strong evidence and legal help.
Our Bellevue car accident lawyers know how complicated these situations can get. We will protect your rights and work to get you the damages you deserve, even when a police report is missing.
Car accidents can involve many complex issues, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Why a Police Report for a Car Crash Helps But Isn’t Always Required
A police report creates an official record of the accident. It often includes:
- The names and statements of the people involved in the accident
- Information from people who saw the accident (witnesses)
- Officer observations and opinions about who caused the crash
- Diagrams or pictures of the crash scene
While a police report can be very helpful, it is not always required to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. In Washington, you can still report the accident yourself and use other types of evidence to support your claim.
When You Must File Your Own Report After a Traffic Accident
In Washington State, if there is no police report, you must fill out a Motor Vehicle Collision Report yourself if:
- Anyone was injured or killed in the accident
- Property damage totaled $1,000 or more
You must file this report within four days of the crash. You can file it online through the Washington State Patrol’s website or mail it in.
Filing this report is important because it:
- Creates an official record
- Helps protect your right to seek damages
- Shows the insurance company that you acted responsibly
What Evidence Should You Gather Without a Police Report?
If you don’t have a police report, gathering strong evidence is even more important. Here’s what to collect:
- Photos of the vehicles, the road, and any injuries
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Written notes about what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind
- Insurance and registration information from all drivers involved
- Medical records showing your injuries
The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
Challenges You May Face if You Don’t Have a Report From Law Enforcement
Without a police report, you could face issues like:
- The other driver denying fault for the accident
- Insurance companies arguing that your injuries or damages were minor
- Delays in the claims process
Having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. We know how to collect strong evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts if needed, and build a case that tells your full story.
How We Can Help You After a Crash Without a Police Report
When there’s no police report, getting help from experienced legal professionals becomes even more important. Our team of personal injury lawyers in Bellevue will:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence
- Talk to people who saw the accident and collect witness statements
- Work with experts to rebuild what happened
- Handle all communications with insurance companies to protect your case
- Fight for full damages for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering
We will keep your case on track and make sure nothing gets missed and that you aren’t taken advantage of by insurance companies trying to downplay your case.
What if the Crash Involved a Hit and Run, an Uninsured Driver, or a Rideshare Vehicle?
Sometimes, car accidents involve special situations. Here’s how we help with those:
- Hit and run accidents: We can help you file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage and work to find the driver, if possible.
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers: Our team will review your insurance policies and find all possible ways to recover damages.
- Rideshare accidents (like Uber or Lyft): We know how to deal with complex insurance rules involving drivers, rideshare companies, and third parties.
- Commercial vehicles: If you were hit by a company vehicle, different insurance rules apply, and we know how to handle those cases, too.
Each situation is unique, but our attorneys are ready to step in and help you.
What to Do After a Crash if a Police Report Isn’t Made
Here’s a simple list of what to do if a police report isn’t on file after your accident:
- Get medical care immediately. Even small injuries can get worse later.
- Gather evidence at the scene.
- Exchange information with other drivers.
- File a Motor Vehicle Collision Report if needed.
- Contact a lawyer from our firm as soon as possible for advice.
Taking quick action can protect your health and your legal rights.
We Can Help You Claim a Car Accident Without a Police Report
If you are wondering how to claim a car accident without a police report, don’t worry. You don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Premier Law Group is ready to step in and help you.
With over 50 years of combined legal experience and more than $100 million recovered for our clients, we know how to build strong cases. We have served thousands of injured clients and are proud to offer a free case review with an attorney for injury issues.
We will handle all the legal details and talk to the insurance companies for you. Call us today to review your case. We are ready to start on your path to recovery and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.