{"id":353075,"date":"2016-09-20T13:41:43","date_gmt":"2016-09-20T18:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/how-long-do-you-have-to-report-a-car-accident.html"},"modified":"2025-10-15T16:43:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T21:43:56","slug":"how-long-do-you-have-to-report-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/how-long-do-you-have-to-report-a-car-accident.html","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do You Have To Report a Car Accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Long Do You Have To Report a Car Accident?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The deadline to report a car accident<\/span> varies by state. Being aware of these important legal timeframes<\/span> can prevent denial of claims or loss of legal rights<\/span> to compensation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Being involved in a car accident<\/span> is often overwhelming. The stress and anxiety are even worse if you are dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance companies<\/span>. Missing a deadline may result in the denial of claims or the loss of the right to sue for fair compensation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain important timeframes<\/span> and deadlines for reporting a car accident<\/span> to police, insurance companies<\/span>, and motor vehicle<\/span> agencies.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve recently been in an auto accident<\/span>, a local car accident<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> can help you understand the complex reporting requirements<\/span>, negotiate with the insurance company<\/span>, and file a legal claim if necessary. They will help you meet all crucial deadlines to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n

Emergencies vs. Non-Emergencies<\/h2>\n

The required timeframe<\/span> for reporting a motor vehicle<\/span> accident<\/span> depends on the severity of the accident and who you\u2019re making the report to. We\u2019ll discuss each of these in more detail below.<\/p>\n

Immediate Reporting<\/h3>\n

Call 911 and get help from police and emergency services if there are:<\/p>\n