In the event that someone causes an accident, he or she must report it. This is because he or she may be liable for damages incurred by accident victims. It may be necessary to report the accident even if there was only one vehicle involved. The only reason a person may not want to report a crash to an insurance company is if the amount of the damage is roughly the same as the deductible.
Insurance companies may have specific windows in which an accident must be reported. However, these may be kept a secret and vary from policy to policy. People that aren't sure about when they have to report an accident may benefit from talking to an insurance agent. Acting in a timely manner may also be ideal for those who wish to file a lawsuit as statutes of limitations may apply.
If a negligent or reckless driver causes an accident, he or she may be liable for damages incurred by accident victims. Negligence may include driving too fast for road conditions or operating a vehicle while impaired. Compensation may be available to victims to cover their medical expenses or recover lost wages or lost future earnings. An attorney may help resolve a case through a settlement or a trial if necessary.