Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Single-Car Accident?

Single-car accidents can be just as devastating as multi-vehicle accidents, and they often raise questions about fault and liability. In Nebraska, a single-car accident can occur due to various factors, including hazardous road conditions, vehicle defects, or the actions of another driver. For instance, a pothole might cause a tire blowout, or a sudden swerve to avoid an animal could lead to a collision with a guardrail. Understanding the causes and consequences of single-car accidents is crucial in determining the best course of action. Knowing what led to the accident can help identify who is responsible and whether you might be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Most car accidents involve a collision between two or more vehicles. However, each year, Nebraska also reports hundreds of single-car accidents. These accidents can occur on public roads or private property, each presenting unique challenges for reporting and liability. A single-car accident can be caused by an environmental factor, such as a pothole that leads to a tire blowout and rollover accident, or traffic conditions that cause a driver to veer off the side of the road to avoid a collision. If you get involved in a single-car accident in Nebraska, find out if you need to file a police report.

Did the Accident Cause Injuries or Property Damage?

In Nebraska, you are legally required to file a police report after any type of motor vehicle accident if it reaches the state’s threshold – even if the accident only involved your own vehicle and resulted in an injury. Under state law, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident on a public or private road that meets the following parameters has a duty to report the accident without unnecessary delay to an appropriate peace officer:

• Estimated property damage to any one person that equals or exceeds $1,500
• Any level of property damage to an unattended vehicle or property
• Bodily injuries to one or more parties
• The death of one or more parties

Reporting your crash to an appropriate peace officer typically means calling 911 while you are still at the scene of the accident. Tell the police that you were involved in a single-car accident and request an ambulance if you have injuries. When the police arrive, tell them what happened but don’t admit fault for the accident. Just because you are the only vehicle involved does not mean you are to blame.

Steps to Take After a Single-Car Accident

If you are involved in a single-car accident in Nebraska, it is essential to take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention: If you or any passengers are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety are the top priority.
2. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and surrounding property. This visual evidence can be crucial for your insurance claim.
3. Notify the police: Report the accident to the police, even if it’s not required by law. This will help create a record of the accident and provide valuable evidence for your insurance claim.
4. Exchange information: If another driver was involved, exchange information with them, including names, phone numbers, and insurance details. This step is vital for any potential claims or legal actions.
5. Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Providing timely notice can help ensure your claim is processed efficiently. However, be careful to only share information that is directly requested and required from you, and do not elaborate. What you say to insurance providers may have a significant effect on your claim.
6. Retain an attorney: To protect your legal rights and give yourself fair footing during potential legal matters, we encourage you to retain a lawyer for support. An attorney from Knowles Law Firm can communicate with insurance on your behalf, represent you in legal operations, and handle many tasks to reduce unnecessary stress on your plate.

Following an accident, the most important priority should be your safety and well-being. When you work with a qualified lawyer, you can focus on healing and recovery while we handle the more complex and difficult tasks instead.

Do You Need to Report the Crash to the Nebraska Department of Transportation?

According to Nebraska Revised Statute 60-699, motor vehicle operators and owners are also required to report all accidents that involve injuries, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,500 to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) within 10 days. This is only a requirement, however, if the accident was not investigated by a peace officer.

If you are legally required to tell the NDOT about your crash, you must fill out the Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report and submit it to the Department within no more than 10 days.

Are You Automatically at Fault for a Single-Car Accident?

No. A car accident involving only one vehicle should be investigated, and the claim should be processed like any other car accident. You are entitled to a thorough investigation of your claim by your car insurance company. Even if no one else was directly involved, a third party may have caused or contributed to the crash.

An investigation may discover that the road you were on contained a defect that the city already knew about and should have repaired, such as a pothole or missing guardrail. This could place liability for your single-car accident with the city or state government. Your vehicle may also contain a product defect that caused the wreck, pointing to the manufacturer’s liability.

Do You Need an Accident Report to File an Insurance Claim?

Having a police report can significantly strengthen your single-car accident claim in Nebraska. Since you are not automatically at fault, you may need to prove that someone else is to blame. Establishing fault requires clear and convincing evidence of negligence. A police report that details the facts of the crash and contains official photographs can present compelling evidence of third-party fault.

For insurance purposes, it is smart to always file a police report after a single-car accident, even if state law does not require you to do so. Involving the police can prove that your collision happened and support your claim that you did not cause the crash. A police report can help you obtain financial compensation from your own car insurance company or a third party. For help obtaining a copy of your police report in Omaha, contact an Omaha car accident attorney.

Consulting a Car Accident Lawyer

If you are involved in a single-car accident in Nebraska, consulting a car accident lawyer can be beneficial in several ways:

1. Determining fault: A car accident lawyer can help determine fault and liability in your case, even if it’s a single-car accident. They can investigate the circumstances and identify any third parties who may be responsible.
2. Navigating insurance claims: A lawyer can assist you in navigating the insurance claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. They can handle communications with the insurance company and help gather necessary documentation.
3. Protecting your rights: A car accident lawyer can protect your rights and interests, especially if the other driver’s insurance company is involved. They can advocate on your behalf and prevent you from being unfairly blamed for the accident.
4. Seeking compensation: A lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other related expenses. They can negotiate settlements and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
5. Connecting you with additional professionals: When you work with a lawyer from Knowles Law Firm, you can also access additional helpful professionals. Reconstructors, medical providers, and other specialists can help build up strong arguments in your favor.

In Nebraska, car accident lawyers can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the claims process. If you are involved in a single-car accident, consider consulting a car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

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