How Long After An Accident Can You File A Police Report

August 13, 2018 by Steve Gebhardt

Most states by law will require that you report a car accident immediately. Majority of the states claim that If you don’t do so, you will only have 10 days after an accident to file a report. However, it is only a legal requirement to report a certain type of accident. Filing a police report after an accident depends on which state you are in, so it’s important to read up on the state laws that the accident has occurred. Luckily, we have information regarding filing a police report after a car accident that applies to the majority of the states.

When do I need to report a car accident to the police?

If you accidentally bump into a parked car and barely made a scratch, then you won’t have to report anything. A simple exchange of both parties contact and insurance information is enough to deal with the problem. However, a $500 in property damage, death, injury, pain, vehicle that needs towing, commercial vehicle, and a drunk driver will require a police report. You can report to the local police department, county sheriff, or highway patrol. It all depends on where that accident has happened.

How do I report a car accident?

If the police have visited, documented, and completed the report on the accident, then you won’t need to file one. If there is no police around and the damages are worth more than $500, then you must file a police report that has jurisdiction over the area in which the car accident has occurred. You can file a report online or print out the form and bring it to the police office.

What information do I need to file a police report?

To report the accident to the police, this is what you need:

When and where did the accident happened, description of the vehicles that were involved, contact information of all the parties that were involved, contact information of any witnesses, and insurance information from both parties.

Why should I file a police report?

If you do not file a police report, then you have committed a non-criminal traffic violation. That means you will have to appear in front of an official and will need to enroll in 120 hours of community service. It’s best to file a police report even if you don’t think you have to. This is mainly to have a record down on the file. Even if you don’t think anyone has suffered an injury, it’s best to file a report. After all, an injury can take up to a couple of days to manifest itself. When you file a police report, it can help connect your injuries to the accident. Without a police report, it is impossible to prove that your injuries have anything to do with the accident. Keep in mind that if you decided to file a claim, you have within four years to do so. Plus, it is impossible to receive compensation from your insurance policy without a police report. This can leave you paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.

What if I do not own the vehicle?

If you don’t own the vehicle that is involved in the accident, then the owner can file the report for you. Make sure you write down everything that had happened to ensure that the owner has everything that he or she will need to file the report.

Is the report confidential?

The police report is confidential, but they are accessible to anyone who is involved in the accident.

Do I need a lawyer?

You generally don’t need a lawyer, however, if you decide to file a claim against the at-fault driver, then a lawyer will be a big asset.

Conclusion

If you get into a car accident, the first thing to do is to stay calm. Then assess the situation. If the damage is over $500, or that there is a death or injuries involved, then definitely file a police report. A police report is required by law and very useful to obtain compensation from the insurance company. Plus, if there are injuries related to the accident, a police report will ensure that the injury and the accident are connected. Even if you have any doubt, it’s best to file one anyway. However, if the car accident is very minimal such as a slight nudge on the car that is practically unnoticeable and that no one was hurt or injured, then you could just exchange contact and insurance information and settle it that way. Overall, every state is different when it comes to filing a police report after a car accident and you can get advice from you insurance carrier with how to handle the accident as well. It’s important to do valuable research about the state that your accident happened.

What Are The Mandatory Insurance Requirements in Casa Grande, Arizona?

May 18, 2018 by Steve Gebhardt

You’re a cautious driver and you do your best to respect the law and keep everyone in the car safe.

But accidents aren’t always your fault. There are factors you can’t control. For situations like this, car insurance helps you cover hefty medical bills and damages.

The leading cause of car accidents are alcohol consumption, texting, distracted driving, and weather issues.

According to Forbes, the average American is involved in a car accident every 19 years.

In Arizona, the car insurance policy consists of six layers of coverage. Some states require all of them. However, in Arizona only two types of coverage are needed to reach the minimum requirements: $15,000 for bodily injuries for one passenger or $30 000 for more than two and $10,000 worth of coverage in damages caused to property.

Here’s a quick look at all of the types of coverage and common car insurance problems, as well as a groundbreaking car insurance innovation.

Types of Coverage in Arizona

If you cause bodily injuries to someone in a car accident, you’re required by law to have a policy that covers at least 15,000 per person and $30,000 per car crash. In the state of Arizona if you cause damage to somebody’s property, your policy must take care of at least $10,000 in damages.

Almost all car accidents lead to damages to other cars or the driver’s vehicle. Collision insurance is very important, yet it’s not part of the minimum requirements.

There is also the option for medical bills that aren’t covered by health insurance, in case you or any passengers suffer injuries.

A comprehensive insurance covers damages to your car that weren’t caused by crashing into another vehicle. For example, these include scenarios where someone vandalizes your car or you accidently hit an animal crossing the street. This type of insurance is sometimes required if you’re using a loan to pay off a car.

Auto Insurance in Casa Grande

If you’re looking for auto insurance in Casa Grande, it’s not a bad idea to learn about what determines the price of insurance, as well as a few of the latest car insurance innovations that can give you customized solutions.

Before you will receive a quote, all of your history linked to driving and owning a vehicle will play an important role in estimating your insurance costs.

For example, your age, the type of car you drive, your driving history, and the number of years you’ve been driving are a few of the factors that will influence how much you will pay out of pocket each month.

A responsible driver that happens to be in their teens and drives an expensive sports car will pay more than someone in their 30’s who drives an inexpensive vehicle and has no history of car crashes.

One of the factors that drive down rates the most is a clean driving record. This includes no speeding tickets, collisions, or law-breaking behaviors behind the wheel.

If you’re looking for affordable premiums, you might need to speak with a specialist about it. Going by yourself and asking for quotes from insurance companies will cost you more in the long run.

Skilled insurance agents have at least 30-40 insurance companies to choose from. Plus, they have leverage when it comes to being familiar with the legislation, and they bring clients to these companies. In other words, you don’t bring as much money to these companies as insurance agents do. An agent can demand a discount, but you don’t have any grounds to do that as a one-time client.

Our Casa Grande agents can help you find out if you’re eligible for deductions as well.

Most Common Auto Insurance Problems

You may be thinking that you’re saving money by driving without insurance. But in the long-term, you’re risking fines, the suspension of your license, and a certificate that will identify you as a high-risk driver.

This will not only make you look bad in the eyes of the law, but insurance companies will raise their rates due to your status.

Driving underinsured leads to similar issues. An insurance plan that doesn’t cover the minimum requirements is one of the most common auto insurance problems, as drivers believe the consequences for this are minor.

Drivers who don’t own the car they’re driving also face penalties if they don’t have insurance. Fortunately, among the latest car insurance innovations is temporary insurance as well. You can buy car insurance even for one hour by using an online application and a debit card.

Who is at Fault for a Parking Lot Car Accident

April 26, 2018 by Steve Gebhardt

Parking lots are often busy areas packed with vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and other objects. These lots may have tight parking spaces and obstacles such as large ground-based concrete polls, shopping cart corrals, and permanent light poles.

A parking lot accident can involve a crash between multiple vehicles, a vehicle and a fixed object, or a vehicle and victim, like an individual or a cyclist. Some crashes may even combine several of these factors. Just like on the road, there are a number of factors that affect who is at fault when an accident takes place in a parking lot. Many drivers may find the rules confusing, but just like our highways, parking lots have right-of-way rules.

The Rules

Here are some general guidelines regarding parking lot accident fault:

The vehicles in the “through lanes” (cars in the traffic lanes) have the right of way. If a driver pulls out of a parking space and collides with a vehicle traveling in the through lane, the driver pulling out will probably be deemed at fault for the accident.
Drivers leaving a parking space must yield to any other oncoming traffic.
If you are driving your vehicle, and you collide with a legally parked car, you are at fault. However, if the car is parked illegally, the driver of the other car could be at fault.
You must obey all traffic signs while in a parking lot. You are automatically at fault if you are in an accident as a result of failing to follow the directions of a traffic sign in the parking lot, such as a stop or yield sign.
If you open your car door and hit another vehicle, you are at fault for any damage.

In most instances, these accidents will be minor since the automobiles are usually traveling at a slow speed, and as a result, will not lead to anything more than frustration. But in other situations, a driver or passenger may be hurt and may be in need of medical help. Regardless, when parking lot accidents are found to be your responsibility, they can raise your auto insurance rates.

Why Fault Matters

Determining fault is important in parking lot accidents since it plays an important role in whether your car insurance policy will cover damage to the vehicles and for any personal injuries that occur. Liability insurance is a requirement for automobile drivers in Arizona. It helps pay for the harm done to individuals and to any property damage sustained by other drivers in an accident for which you are found at fault.

It can often be very difficult to place who is to blame for a collision in a parking lot car accident. That is why it is essential you have a proper insurance policy. Being insured not only protects you and your vehicle, it also safeguards the people and property around you. If you have been involved in a parking lot car accident, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They can help with the arrangements to get your claim started and your car repaired as soon as possible.

Fault of Another Driver

It may occur that you come out to your car after shopping at the grocery store, mall or after work and find your car has been hit and damaged. According to Arizona law, drivers, who hit a parked car, must stop and do either of the following:

locate the owner of the parked car to provide their name and address; or,
leave a conspicuous note that provides their name and address.

A violation of this statute has serious repercussions or the person leaving the scene. If this situation happens to you, contact your insurance company and advise them of the circumstances. Be sure to document the situation as follows:

Record any damage by taking photos
Note the location of the incident
Write down the date and time of the accident

Driver Beware

If you are concerned about getting into a parking lot car accident in the first place, keep these driving tips in mind:

Drive slowly
Be aware of your surroundings
Stay alert for cars, bikes, and pedestrians cutting across parking lanes
Look in both directions before backing out of a parking space instead of relying on a mirror or rearview camera
Park in spots farther away from a store in order to avoid traffic

Experience Counts

At Gebhardt Insurance, we know that you have many options for insurance providers. For over 14 years we have been independent insurance specialists. Instead of selling our own insurance coverage, we shop the nation’s top carriers to find you the absolute lowest auto insurance rates. But we don’t stop there. We regularly review your coverage and help you receive the best value for your insurance dollar, all while providing the best customer service in the business.

Contact us now at 520-445-4929 to learn more or get a free quote online.

5 Car Maintenance Tips to Prevent an Accident

April 24, 2018 by Steve Gebhardt

Regular car maintenance ensures maximum car performance, prevents costly repairs and may actually help avoid accidents. Sometimes, even the smallest defect that seems irrelevant to you may lead to a major problem which will consequently increase your chances of being in a crash, pile-up or collision.

Use this checklist to help keep your car in top running condition and to keep you and your passengers safe.

Tires

Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensure your vehicle’s safety on the road. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 83% of Americans do not know how to properly inflate their tires. The correct pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker most often located inside the driver-side door jamb. Also, check the tread depth on each tire by placing a quarter upside down in the tread grooves. If the top of Washington’s head is exposed at any point, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.

Underinflation or overloading of tires may result in rapid or uneven tread wear. This could cause unexpected tire failure on a road or highway. Having a tire blowout may result in a dangerous accident causing vehicle damage or serious injury. Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that tires are at least partially responsible for an estimated 11,000 traffic crashes each year.

At Gebhardt Insurance Group, we know that being insured with the proper policy protects you and your vehicle in case you are involved in an accident. Our expert team will help you find the best coverage to meet your needs when driving in Arizona.

Wipers

Windshield wipers that are damaged or do not work are a serious danger to you and others on the road. Wiper blades do not just help in the rain, they are also beneficial during dust storms and other weather conditions. At least once a year check to see if they are worn or cracked. Inspect the wipers to determine that they can still adequately remove debris for proper vision.

Working Lights

Our insurance agents cannot stress enough the importance of working lights for every type of vehicle. To test them, turn on your hazards to see whether both the blinker and steady-on safety lights work. Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle as you apply the brake to make sure the brake lights work correctly, too. Just one broken light can cause an accident.

Battery

As a general rule, the more sophisticated your car’s onboard computers are, the bigger the strain on its battery. Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time. A bad battery can leave you stranded, and a faulty electrical system could cause your car to stall or operate incorrectly when driving, leading to an unnecessary collision or worse. And if you use your automobile infrequently, the battery may still become drained by the electronic systems.

It is essential that you or your mechanic look over the battery cables for cracks and breaks. The terminals should fit snugly with no loose connections. You can check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole. If the level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water. While you’re inspecting your battery, look around for the manufacture date. Knowing how old your battery can help you understand when it will begin to lose charge. If the battery is older than four years, it may be time to replace it.

Brakes

Knowing the key warning signs when brakes require maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road. Every driver is faced with situations where it is necessary to slam on the brakes. Defective brakes take away the ability to prevent a collision with another car, property or with a pedestrian. Without proper brakes, a severe accident may occur that might have been prevented if they were working properly.

If there is screeching, vibration or if you must apply extreme pressure to the brake pedal before your car will stop, it is time to have the brakes checked out. Even if these symptoms are not apparent, get them checked out annually.

The Right Coverage

No matter where you drive, rest assured you and your car can be protected on the road with assistance from Gebhardt Insurance Group. We are an independent insurance specialist company serving the entire state of Arizona. That means we shop the nation’s top insurance carriers to find you the absolute lowest rate for your vehicle insurance to provide significant savings.

Arizona requires its drivers to maintain the following coverages and minimum limits:

$15,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
$30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per incident
$10,000 property damage liability coverage per incident

But there are a variety of optional vehicle insurance policies, as well. It can all become overwhelming and confusing. Our agents are true professionals and will find the best solutions to meet your driving needs at affordable prices. We deliver superior customer service and always provide personal attention to every individual. We will be there for you when you need us most.

Call or text us now at (520) 836-3244 and ask about our free insurance quotes to find the best auto insurance policy that will match your needs. We look forward to working with you.

10 Things You Need to Do After a Car Accident

April 22, 2016 by Steve Gebhardt

After a car accident, you may not be thinking clearly—even if you weren’t injured. However, it’s important to try to remain as calm as possible so that you can follow the proper procedures. Here’s what you need to do after a car accident.

If you can, move your vehicle out of the way.

This is especially important if the accident happened on a busy roadway. The last thing you want is to get struck again by another oncoming car that doesn’t see you or isn’t able to slow down in time. If your car is still drivable, pull it onto the shoulder or into a side street or parking lot and turn on your emergency flashers. If you are unable to move your vehicle, turn on your emergency flashers or set up emergency cones or warning triangles.

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

Sometimes you don’t realize that you are injured right away if you get into an accident because your adrenaline is pumping. Give yourself a once over and make a quick assessment of where you might be hurt. Have your passengers do the same.

If there are injuries, call 911.

If there are injuries in your vehicle or the one that hit you, you should call 911 to get help to the scene as soon as possible. Only move an injured person if he or she is in imminent danger—like if the vehicle is on fire or they are in danger of being hit by oncoming traffic. Improperly moving someone who is hurt could make his or her injuries worse.

If there are no injuries, call the police department’s accident or non-emergency line.

If you have a smart phone, you should be able to easily look up the police department’s non-emergency or accident line. But if you don’t have a smart phone call 911 so they can transfer your call.

If the police do not come…

Sometimes the police won’t come to the scene of an accident. This might be because you live in a large city and there are more serious matters that the police need to attend to, or there might be a more pressing matter happening at that time. If the accident happens during a weather emergency, there might be a lot of other accidents happening and the police may only able to respond to the most serious.

If this is the case, you still need to report the accident. This is crucial. If you don’t get a police report, it will be your word against the other driver’s. If there is a dispute about what caused the accident and there isn’t a police report you might have trouble proving that you weren’t at fault. Also, if the other driver tries to sue you for damages or you notice damage to your car after you have left the scene, you might be out of luck if there is no police report on file.

To report the accident, you just need to go to the nearest police department—or go online in some cities—with the names and insurance information of the drivers involved in the crash. It helps if you have pictures of both of the vehicles at the scene of the crash and the names and contact information of witnesses.

You will also need to get the insurance information, names and contact information of the other driver (or drivers, if multiple were involved).

If the police are on their way, you can take the time while you wait to do the following:

Get the names and contact information of witnesses. This will be important if the cause of the accident is disputed down the line.
Take photos of the damage and any injuries.

Do NOT accept any money or make any deals.

Some people who are involved in car accidents will beg you not to call the police or file an insurance claim. This may be because they were intoxicated or otherwise at fault for the accident, or they may not have insurance. They might offer you money to cover your expenses or try to make a deal with you. This is a bad idea. You might not know the extent of your injuries or the damage to your vehicle without seeing a doctor or mechanic and the money that the other driver offers you might not be enough to cover your medical bills, car repairs and a rental car. Plus, if the driver is intoxicated or made a blatant error that caused the accident, the police really should be informed. What if they choose to make that mistake again and next time they kill someone?

Just the facts.

When the police officer arrives, he or she will question each driver involved separately and give you directions for what steps to take next. Depending on the police department’s protocol and the severity of the accident, you might be asked to complete a portion of the police report on your own and either deliver it to the police department or submit it online.

It’s important to be honest when speaking with the police officer, but don’t overelaborate. After an accident, you might be flustered and blurt out something that you don’t mean. Stick to the facts of the situation and avoid apologizing—or blaming anyone—while speaking with the police and the people involved in the accident.

Call your insurance company right away.

They will talk to you about the accident and either send someone out to look at your car or have you take it to a shop to get an estimate for repairs. The other person’s insurance company may also contact you. Be polite, but again, only state the facts. Or have them call your insurance agent. The sooner you contact your insurance company to get your repairs started, the sooner you can get back on the road again.

If your insurance rates go up, shop around for car insurance.

Sometimes your car insurance rates can go up after an accident–even if it wasn’t your fault. If your rates go up, it may be time to shop around for a new plan. At Gebhardt Insurance Group, we do the shopping for you, searching more than 40 different insurance companies to find you the best value. Give us a call at (520) 836-3244 or get an online quote for free.