New Hampshire Car Accident Report Basics

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 20, 2024

If you’re in a New Hampshire car accident, you'll need to know what the law requires of you—both at the scene of the accident and in the days that follow. New Hampshire crash reporting laws and the state’s insurance laws are strict about maintaining car insurance and reporting motor vehicle accidents.

It’s one thing if your accident doesn’t result in bodily injury or property damage. But even people with a perfect driving record can get into an accident. Whether you’re in a minor fender-bender or a severe multi-car pileup, you must take specific steps to protect yourself and your family members.

Read on to learn more about New Hampshire car accident report requirements. We will also explain how to file your accident report and why you must call 911 immediately after your collision.

New Hampshire Car Accident Report Laws

Many drivers have no idea what to do after a car crash. They know they should exchange insurance information with the other driver. They may even realize that they have to call 911. But many aren’t familiar with New Hampshire’s accident reporting laws.

Unfortunately, knowing what to do after a car accident is essential if you want to avoid criminal charges and preserve your car accident claim. The state of New Hampshire requires that you take specific steps immediately after your motor vehicle accident.

These steps include:

Immediately stopping your car and moving it to the shoulder
Calling 911, regardless of how minor the crash
Trying to determine if anybody has suffered bodily injury
Exchanging contact information, insurance information, driver's license number, and vehicle registration number with the other driver

If you can’t provide the other driver with this information, give it to the responding police officer. If, for some reason, law enforcement doesn’t respond to the crash, report the collision to someone at the nearest police station.

When Do You Have To Report an Auto Accident?

According to New Hampshire law, you must report any accident that causes injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. You must submit your report to the New Hampshire DMV within 15 days of the collision.

Even a seemingly minor fender bender can cause over $1,000 in vehicle damage. Regardless of the type of crash, you must file a report. It’s difficult to assess the extent of the property damage properly, and it’s also nearly impossible to ascertain whether anyone has suffered a personal injury.

If you don’t file an accident report for a crash that causes injury or death, the state of New Hampshire may charge you with a felony.

How To File a Car Crash Report in New Hampshire

You must submit your accident report in writing to the New Hampshire DMV. You can find this report online.

Your DMV crash report must include the following information:

Name, phone number, and email address of the drivers involved in the crash
Accident date, time, and location
Insurance information
Whether either driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient motorist coverage
Vehicle information

If a police officer responds to your crash, they will conduct a thorough investigation and submit their report directly. The police report will contain additional information, such as:

Whether they cited any of the drivers for DUI
Whether the crash was a hit-and-run
Whether the motorists had a valid auto insurance policy

You may want to submit a crash report regardless of whether law enforcement comes to the scene. Law enforcement may take several weeks to submit their report, delaying your insurance claim.

New Hampshire Car Accident Report Laws at a Glance

The below chart highlights the state laws related to New Hampshire car accident reports.

Statute	§264:25
Report Required	Under New Hampshire law, you must submit a written report to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the crash involves personal injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.
Report Deadline	Within 15 days of the accident
Who Must Report	The police officer who investigates the accident The drivers and owners of any vehicles involved in the collision If the driver can’t report the accident, the owner of the vehicle or their representative must file the report

Note: State laws are subject to change. Verify the information you read online by consulting a New Hampshire car accident attorney.

Get Legal Help to Better Understand New Hampshire Car Accident Reporting Requirements

Whether you're in a minor accident or a devastating collision, the financial and legal ramifications can be significant and time-consuming. That's why you should contact a local New Hampshire car accident lawyer.

Your auto accident attorney will ensure you comply with New Hampshire car accident report laws. They’ll also help pursue your personal injury claim and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Having a motor vehicle accident report will do more than help satisfy the state and the insurance company. Along with the police report, your car crash report will also help prove that the at-fault driver is liable for your injuries.

Most injury lawyers in New Hampshire offer new clients a free case evaluation. Visit our attorney directory to find a car accident lawyer near you.