There are certain standard procedures that people typically need to follow after a car crash occurs. They check on their passengers and the other people involved in the incident. They contact local authorities to file a crash report. They initiate an insurance claim, arrange for vehicle repairs and obtain medical treatment.
In some cases, one of the people involved in the crash may try to deviate from those standard procedures. Although state law requires a crash report if the incident causes significant property damage or injuries, some drivers ask to settle the issue privately. They insist that they can cover collision costs themselves and that they prefer not to involve local authorities. There are many reasons that people propose this questionable arrangement, including the three reasons outlined below.
A career that involves driving
Motorists usually don’t have to worry about losing their driving privileges after a single collision unless there are aggravating factors. A drunk driver, for example, may face a driver’s license suspension if they cause a crash. Those who speed or run red lights can usually retain their driving privileges. However, professionals who must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) could become ineligible because of major traffic infractions or repeat violations. As such, those who drive school buses, semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles may ask to bypass the standard reporting process to avoid career consequences.
A major legal issue
Perhaps the driver who ran the red light had their phone in their hand. They don’t want to get in trouble for distracted driving. Maybe they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but they can at least temporarily act sober. They don’t want police officers to investigate and discover that they committed significant traffic violations. They may try to avoid responsibility by convincing the other driver not to report the collision to local authorities.
Illegal vehicle operation
There are several circumstances in which a driver may not legally have the right to be on the road. They may already have a suspended license because of previous traffic violations. They may not have valid vehicle registration. In fact, they might have someone else’s plates on their vehicle. They may have allowed their insurance coverage to lapse or may have canceled their policy to avoid ongoing insurance expenses. In some cases, they might even be in a vehicle that they do not have the legal right to operate.
Those trying to talk others out of reporting crashes often have personal reasons for making that suggestion. However, acquiescing to their request is dangerous. Crash reporting is mandatory, and drivers may need to involve the authorities if they want to protect their right to take action after a collision.
Motorists who try to avoid crash reporting may not have insurance and may try to avoid responsibility for the wreck. Those dealing with the aftermath of a car crash may need help evaluating their options for holding another driver accountable, and that’s okay.
