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Due to COVID-19, Some Police Departments Not Responding to Minor Auto Accident Calls

Police officers and other first responders face increased risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has changed nearly every facet of our lives. As stay at home orders in many states and cities require non-essential businesses to shut down or cut back on hours in operation, measures are also being taken to protect law enforcement personnel.

In Memphis and other locations, police departments are temporarily changing their car accident reporting procedures amid the coronavirus pandemic. Officers in the Tennessee city are not responding to minor car accidents unless some other circumstance justifies their presence. Examples where an officer would come to the scene include when a wrecker is needed, if a confrontation exists between the parties and where drugs or alcohol might be related to the collision.

No matter where you are, if you’ve been in a minor vehicle accident and the police are not coming to the scene, you should take the following steps, if possible:

  • Determine if the car accident is minor — Is a tow truck needed? Are there any injuries? Does one of the drivers seem drunk or otherwise under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol? If so, call the police and an ambulance if needed.
  • Exchange essential information — Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information and license plate numbers with all the drivers involved. Look for witnesses and get their contact information.
  • Take pictures of the scene — Get photos of visible injuries, as well as any damage on the cars. These pictures can be filed with the police report.
  • File a police report — Call the nearest police station to file a report over the phone. Ask where any photos should be sent to file with the police report. Make sure to do this promptly. Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report for yourself and do so. You will need this for your insurance and if the case ends up in court.

Navigating automobile accident procedures can be daunting, especially in a time when resources are strained. If you are in a car accident, an experienced and knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your circumstances and advise you if you might be entitled to compensation.

Contact a skillful auto accident lawyer to discuss your legal options         

Owens & Mulherin litigates cases stemming from car crashes and other types of vehicle accidents. For a consultation regarding your potential case, please call 912-212-2100 or contact the firm online.

Reviews From Our Clients
  • "I was pregnant and injured in an automobile accident. Mr. Owens, personally, came to the hospital. He told me he would handle everything, I just needed to get healthy for the baby and myself. Mr. Owens did everything he said he would. I highly recommend Owens and Mulherin. Everyone in their office is friendly and informative. You're not just another client with them, they genuinely care." - Lindsay Chadwick

  • "Highly recommend working with this group!! They are very friendly, understanding, caring people and very easy to talk to. They Gave us plenty of time to talk with them. Did not make us feel rushed and explained everything thoroughly. Made the experience the best possible and we had a positive outcome during a tragic time. Thank you to the attorneys and entire staff." - Cindy Shuman

  • "I found Mr. Owens to be very professional and extremely sympathetic towards my needs as a result of my injuries. His experience helped guide me through my case and we ultimately won in the end...settled out of court! Thanks for all your help!" - Diane Calahan

  • "Following an automobile accident I sought representation from Wil Owens. Throughout the process he and his staff were always very kind, informative, and diligent in protecting my rights and interests. I knew my case was minor comparatively speaking, however, they never minimized the importance of my situation or claim. I would highly recommend this local law firm!!Sincerely,Christi (Fry) Vinyard" - Christi Fry

  • "This was my first time having to get an attorney and my experience was great. They make sure you fully understand everything that's going on and make sure the case is settled in your favor. I highly recommend this attorney office if you need one." - Dee James

  • "Absolutely 100% the best law firm around. I was completely blown away by the staff with all their generosity and helpfulness every step of the way. Wilbur Owens is hands down the best attorney I have ever met. He was caring, professional, and helpful in all aspects of my case, from the very begining with all my treatments to the very end with my settlement. He was highly recommend to me and I have heard nothing but great things about him and his firm. They truly are the best around and if ths need were to arise again in the future I will gladly come to the law firm of Owens and Mulherin. Wonderful people and they gave me my life back as well as piece of mind, and for that I am and always will be truly thankful." - Courtney Graves

  • "I had a good experience with Mr. Owens and Ms. Teresa. They were very professional and was on point. It was a long process but it was worth the wait. I would recommend anyone to this lawfirm." - Ashley Robertson

  • "My thanks to Mr. Owens and his crew. After getting injured at work , and not knowing what to do I found them thru a local web search. Everyone in the office was great, Will walked me thru my case and explained how it would go. After everything I would highly recommend this law firm. I can't say enough of Mr. Owens and his staff . Thank you for your help!" - Mark Kalla

  • "I worked with Mr. Ownens and his team for my most recent accident involving 2 uninsured motorists, and I am extremely pleased with the way my case was worked, as well as the outcome. I cannot say anything negative about the law firm whatsoever, but I can tell you that being hit by uninsured vehicles is a nightmare." - Nic Schuman

  • "Loved working with me. Mulherin. Didn’t make me feel rushed or pinned against a wall. He gave me the beat and worse case scenario. Went to bat for me when the insurance company thought they could get away with being cheap. Brooke was amazing to work with to. Always answered calls or emails in a timely manner." - Natasha Campbell

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Wilbur D. Owens Attorney Photo
Wilbur D. Owens
Attorney

Mr. Owens devotes his practice exclusively to representing plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death claims. His primary focus is automobile/tractor-trailer accidents, dog bites, slip/trip and falls, medical malpractice, injuries from dangerous products, job injuries and nursing home abuse. Before joining forces with Mr. Mulherin to open Owens & Mulherin in 2001, Mr. Owens worked…

Joseph A. Mulherin Attorney Photo
Joseph A. Mulherin
Attorney

Mr. Mulherin represents individuals in personal injury cases. His primary practice areas are automobile accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, medical malpractice claims and workplace injuries. Before forming Owens & Mulherin with Mr. Owens in 2001, Mr. Mulherin practiced at Bouhan, Williams & Levy, LLP, from 1984 - 2000, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury cases.…

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