By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 23, 2024
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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, 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.
No matter the circumstances, after an accident, you need to stay calm, check for injuries, and follow the basic rules for Connecticut car accident reporting.
This chart summarizes Connecticut laws and procedures for filing a car crash report.
| State accident statutes | Connecticut Vehicle Code § 14-224 Car accident reporting Connecticut Vehicle Code § 14-108(a) Uniform investigation of accident report |
|---|---|
| When to report an accident | After an accident, immediately notify police when:
|
| Crash reports | Buy your Connecticut State Police vehicle crash report |
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.
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.
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’re in an accident in Connecticut, dial 9-1-1.
Car accidents don’t 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 and the dog gets injured or killed must immediately stop and give any help possible. The driver also must immediately notify the dog’s 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’s owner: their name, address, and driver’s license number. Failure to report an accident with a dog can result in a citation.
Creating your own accident report is a good idea, even when the law does not require it. Your report doesn’t 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:
When an officer responds to your accident and investigates, you can request the completed case report for a fee. It typically takes 10 business days after an accident for a report to become available.
You can submit requests via mail for accidents that are not available online, investigative reports, and certified copies. You may also request a copy of an accident or incident report by mailing a completed request form, DPS-96-C Request for Copy of Report. You can mail the completed form and payment to:
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Division of State Police
|Reports and Records
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Even a minor motor vehicle accident can cause significant hassles. You may have to schedule car repairs, attend medical appointments, and negotiate with the insurance company. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the process alone. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you through the settlement process and preserve your rights under Connecticut car accident compensation laws.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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