{"id":353111,"date":"2017-04-27T15:22:28","date_gmt":"2017-04-27T20:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/tips-for-reporting-an-accident-to-police.html"},"modified":"2025-09-30T09:21:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T14:21:25","slug":"tips-for-reporting-an-accident-to-police","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/tips-for-reporting-an-accident-to-police.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You File a Police Report After an Accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can You File a Police Report After an Accident?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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

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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

You can file a police report<\/span> after a car accident<\/span>, even if an officer did not respond to the scene. This formal statement, often called an incident report, officially documents your side of the events for legal or insurance claim<\/span> purposes. While not always mandatory for minor incidents, a report is often legally required within a specific timeframe if there are personal injuries<\/span> or significant property damage<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been in a serious car accident<\/span>, you know you should call 911. After a bad collision, you need police and other emergency responders. After a minor accident<\/span>, you may not need paramedics to check out your injuries. In some cities, police will not respond to a non-injury accident.<\/p>\n

After any accident, you must exchange insurance information<\/span> with the other driver and give them your contact information<\/span>. You are not required to notify the police department<\/span> or get an accident report<\/span>. If you need an accident report<\/span>, you can sometimes file one after the accident.<\/p>\n

Whether you call the police or not, you must notify your insurance company<\/span> and other agencies after an automobile accident<\/span>. These agencies can advise you if you need a copy of the report<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What if You Need a Police Report<\/span> After the Accident?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If the police didn\u2019t respond to the accident, you can still file a police report<\/span> if you need one or if your insurance company<\/span> wants one<\/a>. Known as an \u201cincident report,\u201d police may take the report over the phone or online. Filing a report after the accident lets you officially document your side of the accident. The report is no different than a written report<\/span> taken by an officer at the time of the accident<\/span>. If there is anything that the reporting agency thinks needs a follow-up, they will contact you.<\/p>\n

If there were any injuries or serious property damage<\/span>, you must file a report within 24 hours. In some states, you need to file a DMV report within ten days. If you don\u2019t have all the information, such as the other driver\u2019s contact information<\/span>, give the DMV or law enforcement<\/span> agency as much as you do have.<\/p>\n

Who Do You Need To Call After an Accident?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Although each state has slightly different reporting requirements, drivers must call 911<\/a> to report an accident when:<\/p>\n