{"id":372067,"date":"2017-10-20T15:27:28","date_gmt":"2017-10-20T20:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-10-23T14:09:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T19:09:19","slug":"connecticut-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/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

Staying alert and following the rules of the road is the best way to avoid a car accident. But, keeping distractions low while driving can be a challenge. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation<\/a>, more than 20% of auto accidents in the state involve only one motor vehicle, and distracted driving is a major contributor to many of these accidents.<\/p>\r\n

No matter the circumstances, after an accident<\/u><\/a>, you need to stay calm, check for injuries, and follow the basic rules for Connecticut car accident reporting.<\/p>\r\n

How To File a Car Crash Report in Connecticut<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

This chart summarizes Connecticut laws and procedures for filing a car crash report.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
State accident statutes<\/th>\r\n

Connecticut Vehicle Code \u00a7 14-224<\/u><\/a> Car accident reporting<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut Vehicle Code \u00a7 14-108(a)<\/u><\/a> Uniform investigation of accident report<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

When to report an accident<\/th>\r\n

After an accident, immediately notify police when:<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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  • Any person gets injured or killed<\/li>\r\n
  • Any property damage happens<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Crash reports<\/th>\r\n

Buy your Connecticut State Police vehicle crash report<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Reporting a Car Accident in Connecticut<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In Connecticut, all car accidents should be reported to the police, even when there is only minor property damage. Calling 911 will notify the proper emergency personnel. After you have called the police, you must exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties.<\/p>\r\n

Understand that cities and counties may have their own rules just because the state does not have any extra accident reporting rules. If you disobey these local rules, you could get a ticket or lose your driving privileges. So, whenever you\u2019re in an accident in Connecticut, dial 9-1-1.<\/p>\r\n

Accident Reporting after Hitting a Dog<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Car accidents don\u2019t just involve other cars and stationary objects. Wild animals and domestic pets all too often dart in front of vehicles. In Connecticut, any person who hits a dog with a vehicle<\/a> and the dog gets injured or killed must immediately stop and give any help possible. The driver also must immediately notify the dog\u2019s owner or the nearest police officer. Much like a traditional car crash, a driver must give the following information to the police or the pet\u2019s owner: their name, address, and driver\u2019s license number. Failure to report an accident with a dog can result in a citation.<\/p>\r\n

Completing a Personal Accident Report in Connecticut<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Creating your own accident report is a good idea, even when the law does not require it. Your report doesn\u2019t need to be complicated. Connecticut law requires you to stop and exchange basic information with the other drivers, so you should have everything you need. This checklist details some of the accident information your report should have to be effective:<\/p>\r\n