{"id":383314,"date":"2025-10-15T15:02:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T20:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=383314"},"modified":"2025-10-15T14:56:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T19:56:47","slug":"when-is-a-car-accident-report-required","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/when-is-a-car-accident-report-required.html","title":{"rendered":"When Is a Car Accident Report Required?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When Is a Car Accident Report Required?<\/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
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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 requirement to report car accidents often depends on your state law and the extent of injuries and damages suffered. Most states require drivers to report accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage<\/span> exceeding a certain threshold amount.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Police may not respond to the scene of the accident<\/span>. Or maybe you and the other driver are uninjured, your cars are drivable, and you decide to just exchange info and be on your way. Even so, you may still need to file a report with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles<\/span> (DMV<\/span>). This must be done within a specific timeframe. In most cases, failure to report could result in penalties and difficulties with insurance claims<\/span>.<\/p>\n

After being involved in a car accident<\/a>, it can be stressful and confusing to know what steps to take next. Missing a motor vehicle<\/span> accident<\/span> report<\/span> filing or failing to properly document can harm your case. You could lose your chances of recovering compensation for your personal injuries<\/span> and damages.<\/p>\n

If you need guidance on how to protect your rights in a car accident, contact a car accident attorney<\/span><\/a> near you. They can help you understand the reporting requirements<\/span> in your state. They can also ensure you take the proper steps in securing your auto <\/span>insurance<\/span> claim<\/span>.<\/p>\n

When Must You Report an Accident to the Police?<\/h2>\n

Understanding when to contact law enforcement<\/span> is crucial after any car accident. The requirements fall into two categories: accidents where you must call the police before leaving the scene, and accidents where you may need to file a police report<\/span> later.<\/p>\n

A few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n