Five Essential Steps for Reporting a Car Accident to Law Enforcement

Key Points

• Call the police after an accident, especially if there are injuries or major damage.
• Photograph the scene, vehicles, and damage clearly.
• Gather witness statements and contact information for verification.
• Get the police report locally or online.
• Report promptly to prevent insurance claim penalties or delays.

First Steps After a Car Accident

Safety and Injury Check

Your safety is paramount after an accident. Follow these steps:

1. Remove your vehicle from traffic to avoid crashes.
2. Shut off the engine to reduce risk.
3. Check for injuries—Check yourself and passengers for discomfort, disorientation, and obvious wounds.
4. To avoid subsequent accidents, turn on your hazard lights.
5. Report any injuries, even minor, by calling 911.

Move your drivable, risky automobile to a safer area. Otherwise, stay inside with seatbelts until help arrives.

Call Police to Report Accident

The accident is officially recorded by calling police. What to do:

• Major accidents involving injuries or damage? Call 911.
• Use the non-emergency police hotline for small collisions without casualties.
• Wait for cops and give a precise, factual statement.
• Get the police report number before leaving.

Laws in several places mandate police reports for damage over $500 to $1,000. Reporting accidents helps with insurance claims and legal concerns, even minor ones.

Police Reporting: How

Police reports provide crucial accident facts. What to include:

Give Accurate Accident Details

• Detail the crash’s cause, including time, location, road conditions, and traffic signals.
• Describe skid marks, broken glass, and vehicle locations.
• Stay factual—avoid guessing or assuming.
• Take clear images of vehicle damage, license plates, and the scene.

A detailed report prevents liability disputes and supports insurance claims.

Present Witness Statements and Evidence

Police reports get credence from eyewitness accounts. Follow these steps:

1. Ask witnesses what they observed and record their accounts.
2. Get their name, phone number, and email.
3. Officers may request their statement in the police record, but it’s best to have independent documentation.

Witness statements help if the other driver disputes the circumstances.

Get a Police Report Copy

You’ll need a copy of the filed report for recordkeeping and insurance.

Request the Report Online or In Person

Since insurance companies need certified copies, get one.

How Will 2025 Car Accident Reporting Change?

New reporting and insurance requirements begin in 2025 in some states.

Key Changes:

• Some states mandate liability coverage of at least $15,000 per person injured and $5,000 for property damage.
• Many locations are switching to online reporting for speedier processing.
• Late reports can result in license suspension.

Informing yourself of these changes will help you comply and avoid fines.

FAQ

Report an automobile collision to the police how soon?

Although filing a report immediately is desirable, most states require it within 24-72 hours.

What information should I give collision scene police?

Name, vehicle, insurance, and a true account of what transpired.

Can I make a police report after leaving?

Better to report before leaving. Some jurisdictions penalize late reporting.

Is a police record needed for minor incidents without injuries?

Many states mandate reporting for damages over a specific threshold. Also useful for insurance claims.

How does a police report help my injury claim?

Evidence of fault and injuries comes from government reports.

Do police reports raise insurance rates?

Not necessarily. Not merely a report, but fault determination frequently raises rates.

Following these procedures will streamline the accident claims process and safeguard your legal rights.