{"id":377058,"date":"2017-10-09T11:35:19","date_gmt":"2017-10-09T16:35:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-29T14:41:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T19:41:33","slug":"washington-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/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

Whether you’re driving in Seattle to visit the Space Needle or commuting to work in Bellevue, you risk getting into an accident. According to Washington law, you must report your car accident to the Washington Department of Transportation<\/a> (WDOT). <\/p>\r\n

Technically, you don\u2019t have to report every motor vehicle accident. But if the crash causes physical injury or more than $700 in property damage, you must submit an accident report within four days of the accident. <\/p>\r\n

This article will explain the laws regarding crash reports in the state of Washington, describe how to file a report, and discuss why contacting law enforcement immediately after a collision is important.<\/p>\r\n

Washington Car Accident Report Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The following chart outlines the process of filing a car crash report in Washington and other Washington car accident report requirements.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

State Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Washington Codes (Motor Vehicles) \u00a7 46.52.030<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

When To Report<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Unless a police officer submits a written report, you must report an auto accident to the Washington DOT if any of the following occur:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Death<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n

  • Bodily injury<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n

  • More than $1,000 in property damage <\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    You must file this report within four days of the car crash.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

How To File a Car Crash Report in Washington<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

If you\u2019re in a vehicle collision meeting the above conditions, you must file a Collision Report Form<\/a> with the Washington DOT.<\/p>\r\n

According to the RCW 46.52.030, your report must include:<\/p>\r\n