{"id":372372,"date":"2017-10-30T14:50:56","date_gmt":"2017-10-30T19:50:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-20T12:08:08","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T17:08:08","slug":"delaware-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Delaware Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Delaware Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, 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

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of life. The immediate aftermath of an accident is often chaotic, and some of the people involved may have suffered a bodily injury. It’s not the best time to try to figure out what to do next<\/a>. Understanding ahead of time what you’ll need to do with things like accident reports can make things much easier.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019ve been involved in an auto accident in Delaware, knowing what actions to take next can make a huge difference as you move forward. It’s a good idea to understand your legal obligations, such as when you must report the accident to a local police department.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll discuss Delaware car accident laws. Then, we\u2019ll touch on what a car crash report is and what you need to file it. We’ll also examine what to do after the accident, how to handle auto insurance claims<\/a> and insurance companies, and who is responsible for medical expenses<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn more about how to file a car crash report in Delaware.<\/p>\r\n

A Glance at Delaware Car Accident Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Delaware state law sets forth certain circumstances in which motorists involved in an accident are obligated to report it. In addition to stopping after an accident and exchanging information<\/a>, you\u2019re required to report an accident if it causes injury or death, property damage exceeds $2000, or any driver appears to be under the influence of drugs and\/or alcohol.<\/p>\r\n

Delaware law also obligates car mechanics and auto body shops to make a report when it\u2019s clear that some sort of incident has occurred with a car brought in for repairs. A repair shop or garage that sees evidence of a car struck by a bullet or a serious collision must report the vehicle<\/a> to a sheriff’s office or police station. It must be reported within 24 hours of seeing the car.<\/p>\r\n

No vehicle in Delaware will be registered without proof of liability and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Those who drive without proper insurance coverage risk fines and suspension on their driver’s license. You must be able to produce proof of insurance coverage when requested.<\/p>\r\n

Car insurance policies are used to cover personal injury<\/a> and property damage claims. Delaware is a comparative negligence state. This means that awards for damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault each driver is determined to be responsible for.<\/p>\r\n

What To Do After an Accident<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Things can become a blur after an accident. It’s a shocking and traumatic event for most people. Such a rare and violent occurrence can leave you dazed and shaken up. As difficult a time as it may be, it’s important for you to follow the laws of Delaware regarding car accidents.<\/p>\r\n

The first concern should be for everyone’s safety, including yourself. Offer aid to the injured, but don’t try to move anyone. When calling the police to report the accident, let them know if an ambulance is also needed.<\/p>\r\n

Don’t move your vehicles until the police arrive and tell you to do so. Take pictures of the damage on all cars and of the scene of the accident. Exchange information such as name, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy with the other involved drivers. Get the contact info of any witnesses.<\/p>\r\n

No matter what, don’t leave the scene of the accident. Fleeing the incident will be viewed as a hit-and-run accident. It will result in fines and license suspension. If any of the others involved were injured or killed, you’ll face criminal charges and incarceration for leaving the scene.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

When the police arrive, answer their questions to help them fill out the accident report. Even if you were to blame, try not to admit fault until you’ve had a chance to speak with an auto accident attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Alert your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if it wasn’t your fault, you’ll still need a file a claim<\/a> with your carrier. If you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention. Keep copies of all medical treatments. Your insurance company will require these at some point.<\/p>\r\n

Delaware Auto Accident Police Reports<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

You’ll need to get a copy of the police report from your auto accident. The document will be part of the process<\/a> used by the insurance companies to determine negligence. It will also help determine who gets what, according to Delaware laws<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

You can request a copy of the report from the jurisdiction of the law enforcement officers who responded to the accident. In most cases, this will be the local or county police where the accident took place. Information for requesting accident reports involving the Delaware State Police can be found on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The accident report will be filled out by the responding officer(s). It will include:<\/p>\r\n