Can I Report to the Police Several Days After My Car Was Hit?
2 Answers
You can report to the police several days after your car was hit. Below are specific details regarding vehicle scratches: 1. Regulations: According to Article 18 of the "Road Traffic Accident Handling Procedures," if the parties involved did not report the accident at the scene, they can request the traffic management department of the public security authority to handle the matter afterward. The department shall record the case in accordance with Article 10 of the regulations and decide whether to accept the case within three days. 2. Verification: If the traffic management department verifies that the accident did occur, they will accept the case and initiate an investigation. Car owners should report traffic accidents to the police promptly, as this helps the authorities gather evidence, investigate the truth of the accident, and protect the interests of the victims.
A few days ago, my car was parked on the roadside, and I only noticed a dent when I got off work and went home. I was stunned at the time. After waiting a few days, I went to report it to the police. The officers asked some questions and mentioned that it's better to report as soon as possible, as evidence might be lost, but they still filed a case for me. Later, upon reflection, the best course of action would have been to go to the police station or call 110 immediately after the collision, providing the license plate number and location details. They could check surveillance footage to find the responsible party, but in my case, the delay meant no resolution. Insurance claims are also troublesome, requiring a police report to prove it was an accident. I recommend taking photos as evidence if you discover car damage, and even if it's a few days late, reporting it is better than keeping it to yourself. After reporting to the police, repairs become easier, and the portion you have to bear is reduced once responsibility is clarified.
