Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Police Department announced a shift in their police report policy. In cases where police are contacted for an auto accident, unless the accident requires an ambulance transport, involves someone with broken bones, or involves a crime or DUI, the LAPD will no longer take down a report. In many instances, they may not even come to the scene. Basically, if no ambulance is required, then no officer is required. Your accident is considered “minor” for the LAPD in that instance.
These “minor” accident victims are then referred to an online crash report system where each person will report their own version of the accident online. This is all due to the LAPD’s budget cuts, which reduced the number of officers significantly.
What does this mean?
- It will be way more difficult to prove fault in many cases. An account from a neutral and reliable person (police officer) from the accident scene will not be available now. An officer’s report usually includes the officer’s observations and statements from the scene as a neutral witness and the officer’s conclusion on who caused the accident. Remove this, and now each party reporting the accident online will likely place the other driver at-fault.
- There will be loss of potential independent witnesses and/or surveillance video from an accident scene, something that officers usually pay close attention too once arriving at a scene.
- Crash victims may not get necessary medical treatment, as they may not realize the severity of their injuries or downplay them thinking they are OK. Accordingly, by leaving it up to the crash victim, a potential series injury can become much worse untreated.
- Crash victims may not seek necessary medical treatment even in obvious situations, because they are worried about an ambulance bill.
So, if you’re injured or feel hurt in any way after a car accident in Los Angeles, request an ambulance! Don’t risk your claim against the other party and your health.
Have you been injured in a car accident? Let our office get you the maximum compensation you deserve.