Your Guide on How To File A Police Report For A Car Accident

When a car accident occurs, there's a lot of confusion about the right action. You might want to call your insurance company or seek medical help. Amidst the chaos, the law requires you to contact your local police.

In the past years, the number of car accidents in the USA has only increased. Whether you have suffered injuries or property damage only you have to file a police report after a car accident.

When seeking compensation for injuries or damage to a vehicle, you need a report. That's because your police report serves as proof. The police will also need the information you provided to investigate the accident.

Even if the crash is minor, it's always important to file a report. But many don't know how to file a police report for an accident. If you're unsure how to file a police report for a car accident, DoNotPay can help. We'll contact your local police and provide the necessary information on your behalf.

Why File An Accident Report With The Police?

A car accident is one situation you shouldn't fail to make a formal report. Besides serving as a third-party witness, reasons you must file a crash report include:

• It gives an unbiased story of the incident.
• It serves as more reliable evidence.
• It prevents someone from claiming against you.
• Reports are primary sources of information to your insurance company.
• A police report puts you in a better position to win a compensation claim.
• You could pay a fine or lose your driving license if you fail to report a car crash incidence in a timely manner

What Details Should I Provide When Filing a Car Accident Police Report?

Once you feel safe and away from the crash site, report the incidence immediately. Remember, the information you provide matters if you decide to make claims. Below are the details to include in your auto collision police report:

• The exact location of the car crash incident
• Date and time of the collision
• Level of damage to cars and property
• Injuries sustained
• Personal information and statement of a witness to the accident
• Views of other drivers about the accident
• State of the environment at the time of the crash

If another is at fault, a report increases your chances of getting compensation. Even if you're at fault, you still have to file a report. Sometimes the other driver might play smart, but a police report keeps you from paying in error.

How To File A Car Accident Report With The Police

Can you file a car accident police report online?

You can file a car accident report online or contact the local police station. But not all law enforcement stations provide the option to file reports online. Before filing a car accident police report, it's best to check the law enforcement's website. Here are the steps to filing a car accident police report.

1. Place a call to the local police station.
2. Discuss the scene with the police officer. Be ready to answer any questions during the interview.
3. A copy of the car accident report from the police should be available within 24 hours. It could take longer in some cases.
4. You will receive a notification when the report is ready.
5. Get a copy of the report for yourself and your vehicle insurance.

Note that it's the responsibility of the car owner to file an accident report. But there are some situations that someone else can file on your behalf. For instance, if you sustained injuries, a passenger or family member can file the report.

Failure to file a car accident police report comes with severe consequences. But the experience of the accident can make one skip the police report. Though the process seems inconvenient considering the circumstance, ignoring it makes things worse.

While you may want to file the report yourself, you could miss some vital information. Providing the wrong details is almost like failing to make a report. If you sustained injuries, your first thought should be how to see a doctor. As such, you may not have time to file a report. But DoNotPay offers the best solution.

How Can You File A Car Accident Police Report With DoNotPay?

If you want to file a car accident report, it's essential to seek advice. Sometimes, your information could serve as leading evidence in your case. For that reason, DoNotPay is ever ready to help you file an accurate car accident police report.

Whether you're a victim or saw a car crash incident, DoNotPay can handle the task of filing a police report. If you want to file a car accident report with DoNotPay, follow these steps:

1. Search "police report" on DoNotPay and select the type of incident you would like to report.

2. Tell us more about the incident that occurred, including the location, date, time, and sequence of events. Include information on financial losses, personal injuries, or property damage that happened as a result.

3. List any suspects or witnesses you are aware of, verify your contact information, and submit.

And that's it. DoNotPay will file the car accident report to the police department where the incident occurred. Expect a notification from them within 24 hours to two weeks.

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

1. File police report for identity theft
2. Report stolen items
3. Report a stolen wallet
4. Scam alerts
5. Report hit and run drivers

If you need help with filing a car accident police report, sign up with DoNotPay.