What to do if Metro or law enforcement will not respond to a non-injury car accident?
Metro has implemented their new policy of not responding to non-injury car accidents. This means that if you are in an accident in their jurisdiction and are in a non-injury accident, Metro will not show up to make a police report and determine who was at fault. However, if you are in Henderson, North Las Vegas or on a highway, their law enforcement will still respond, but if you are in Metro’s jurisdiction, then this burden is now your responsibility.
Make sure you have a camera in your vehicle. Luckily, in this day and age most of our cell phones have a camera. If not then you should keep some type of camera in your vehicle, such as a disposable camera since batteries will not be an issue if you store it over a long period of time in your car. Take lots of pictures, the more the better. Get pictures from a distance, ideally with all the vehicles involved. Then get detailed pictures of damage, especially locations that will prove fault, such as your rear bumper if you were hit from behind. Also take pictures of the other vehicles to corroborate the damage and who is at fault. Take pictures of license plate numbers and of the parties involved if permitted.
You may want to take some photographs before you move your vehicle to the side of the road, at least one to prove liability, such as if you were hit from behind you would want to take a picture of the “at fault” party behind you. Remember standing on the roadway or just being stopped in a lane can be extremely dangerous. Exercise great caution while taking any pictures on the roadway and if not safe, find a location that is. Make sure you write down as much information as possible, such as the make and model of the vehicles and who was driving. If there is just property damage and your car is moveable then you should move to the side of the road not to impede traffic and for safety.
Always get the other parties insurance as well as all the names of witnesses. If there are witnesses try to get their information first so you do not risk them leaving the scene. Names, telephone numbers, addresses, emails and even statements from the witnesses can be crucial. You can have them write down a statement or even use your phone to record a video statement from them.
Metro will still show up in other situations though. According to Metro they will show up for the following:
- Injury accidents or fatalities;
- If a driver was under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or other substances;
- If a driver doesn’t have a driver’s license, proof of insurance or registration;
- If there is a Hit and run;
- If a vehicle is disabled on the roadway as a result of an accident; and
- If a driver is uncooperative, such as a driver not willing to exchange information or any other disturbance that may require the police to respond.
It is now your responsibility to document and investigate the accident. Even if you are not concerned with injuries, it is a good idea to try to document as much as possible to prevent the at fault party from trying to blame you for the accident. Always be careful and take great caution while documenting the accident and exchanging information.
