Legal question

[pbsaxman]

A quick question for all you clever legal minded people !! Is there a requirement to report all accidents to the Police even if it is a minor bumper touch causing no damage to one vehicle and a small scratch to the other? This happened at about 0820 this morning so a prompt response would be good, so if I need to report I can do so. No injuries and damage being repaired without insurance involvement.
Thanks!!

[silverback mike]

If you swapped details then no requirement to go to a nick. Both parties are happy, and you have the proof of his id.(which I presume you checked with a licence or credit card etc - people can give any name they like and are off into the sunset.....)

I would have reported it if the other party failed to stop, or if there are allegations, and obviously police attend if injury or road blocked and presumably no damage to road furniture.

hth

>> Edited by silverback mike on Thursday 29th September 09:36

[pbsaxman]

Thanks Mike, much as I thought but it was my wife on her way to work so thought I'd better check!! No damage to anything other than the slight scratch on the other drivers bumper!! One of those stupid start to go then stop for no reason moments that sometimes happen. Thanks again

[leosayer]

SM, when you say allegations do you mean that I should contact the police in circumstances such as:

-The other driver ran a red light or was on wrong side of the road, or didn't give way etc etc
-He doesn't appear to have a valid tax disc and/or insurance
-His car does not appear fit for the road (bald tyres, no brake lights etc)
-I think he's drunk

Thanks

[silverback mike]

leosayer said:

SM, when you say allegations do you mean that I should contact the police in circumstances such as: -The other driver ran a red light or was on wrong side of the road, or didn't give way etc etc -He doesn't appear to have a valid tax disc and/or insurance -His car does not appear fit for the road (bald tyres, no brake lights etc) -I think he's drunk Thanks

Yes, I would have no problem with any of those circumstances. Good old common sense must prevail though.

[silverback mike]

However, there would need to be witnesses to things like going through red lights etc etc.