State-by-State Laws & Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident (2024)

State-by-State Laws & Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident (1)

Each state has its own laws about whether an accident must be reported.

Even a minor car accident can mean a lot of paperwork. Police reports, insurance claims, DMV reports... how do you know what’s what? Does a police report automatically go to the DMV? What if you’re not using insurance? Here’s what you need to know about when and how to report an accident in your state.

Each state has its own set of rules for how, when, and if a car accident is required to be reported. It’s generally good practice to call local police and wait for them to come to the scene so that they can make an accident report. But there are some instances when the police might not come if the accident is very minor. If that happens, it could be up to you to choose to report the accident or not.

If you’re thinking of handling the car accident privately (without using either driver’s insurance), you might be tempted to skip reporting to the police altogether. And, maybe you can — but maybe not.

Every state requires a DMV report for an accident where someone is injured or killed. But some states don’t require a report if the damages total less than a certain amount of money, and time limits vary for when reports need to be filed.

A police report is a good document to have, whether or not you’re using insurance. It will include the specifics of the accident (date, time, location, etc.) and each driver’s name, address, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and other crucial pieces of information.

Even a minor car accident can leave drivers feeling shaken and not thinking clearly — so you might forget to gather some essential information that you’ll need later. There could also be evidence included on a police report that might point to which driver is at fault, and that would be helpful in damage negotiations.

An accident that generates a police report is automatically filed with the DMV.

In other words, you only need to pay attention to your state’s reporting requirements if there’s no police report for your accident. Even if there is a police report, the police might not file it with the DMV on time. If that happens, it’s your responsibility to ensure the DMV receives a report within its deadline.

If there’s a ticket issued related to the accident (speeding, failure to yield, unsafe lane change, etc.), the police will notify the DMV because any infraction goes on the driver’s record.

Enjuris tip: All parties involved in an accident should make their own report to the DMV. If the other party files a report with the DMV and claims you were at fault, you could be disadvantaged by not having reported it yourself.

Use this state-by-state breakdown to see if and when you’re required by law to report an accident.

Accident Reporting Requirements By State
StateAccident must be reported if there is:Deadline
AlabamaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $500 by an uninsured motorist30 days
AlaskaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $2,00010 days
ArizonaDeath, injury, property damage more than $300, or if a settlement isn’t reached within 6 months6 months
ArkansasDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000.Immediate (death or injury) or 30 days (property damage)
CaliforniaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,00010 days
ColoradoDeath, injury, or any property damage10 days
ConnecticutDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,0005 days
DelawareDeath, injury, or property damage more than $500Immediately
District of ColumbiaProperty damage more than $2505 days
FloridaDeath or injury, property damage more than $500As soon as possible
GeorgiaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $500Immediately
HawaiiDeath, injury, or property damage more than $3,000Immediately
IdahoDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,500Immediately
IllinoisDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,500 or $500 if any vehicle is uninsured10 days
IndianaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $750Immediately
IowaDrivers are not required to submit a report for an accident with death, injury, or damage of $1,500 or more if the accident was investigated by the police.3 days if report is required
KansasDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,500Immediately
KentuckyDeath, injury, or property damage more than $50010 days
LouisianaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $500. If damage is more than $100, 1 day.Immediate or 1 day
MaineDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000Immediately
MarylandDeath or injury15 days
MassachusettsDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,0005 days
MichiganDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000Immediately
MinnesotaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,00010 days
MississippiDeath, injury, or property damage more than $50010 days
MissouriDeath, injury, or property damage more than $5005 days
MontanaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000Immediately
NebraskaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,00010 days
NevadaAll crashesImmediately
New HampshireDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,0005 days
New JerseyDeath, injury, or property damage more than $500Immediately
New MexicoDeath, injury, or property damage more than $500Immediately
New YorkDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,50010 days
North CarolinaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000Immediately
North DakotaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000. (No report is required for property damage only with an undomesticated animal.)Immediate
OhioAll crashesImmediately
OklahomaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $500.Immediate (death or injury) or 6 months (property damage)
Oregon
  • Injury or death
  • More than $2,500 in damage to driver’s vehicle
  • More than $2,500 in damage to any vehicle
  • Any vehicle is towed from the scene
  • More than $2,500 of any property (not including a vehicle)
  • If there’s any injury or fatality, an involved driver must call 911
72 hours
PennsylvaniaDeath, injury, or if vehicle is disabled5 days
Rhode IslandDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,00021 days
South CarolinaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,00015 days
South DakotaDeath, injury, property damage more than $1,000 to one person’s property or $2,000 total property damageImmediately
TennesseeDeath, injury, or property damage more than $50.Immediately (death, injury, or property damage between $50 and $400) or 20 days (death, injury, or property damage more than $400)
TexasDeath, injury, or property damage of more than $1,000.Immediate (death or injury) or 10 days (property damage)
UtahDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,00010 days
VermontDeath, injury, or property damage more than $3,0003 days
VirginiaDeath or injuryImmediately
WashingtonDeath, injury, or property damage more than $7004 days
West VirginiaDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000Immediately
WisconsinDeath, injury, property damage more than $1,000, or government property damage of $200 or moreImmediately to law enforcement by quickest means of communication
WyomingDeath, injury, or property damage more than $1,000Immediately
Puerto RicoInjury or property damage4 hours
Source: AAA Digest of Motor Laws

If you’ve been in an accident and you’re not sure what to do, there’s help. The Enjuris Personal Injury Law Firm Directory can help you find a car crash lawyer in your state who knows the rules and can guide you through the process of reporting and handling damages after an accident.

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State-by-State Laws & Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident (2024)

FAQs

State-by-State Laws & Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident? ›

The driver of a vehicle or street car involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, or damage to property of any one person in excess of $500.00 shall by the quickest means of communication give notice of such accident to the local police department or to the nearest office of the county police ...

Which type of collision must be reported? ›

A collision must be reported to police when there are any injuries, damage exceeds $5,000 or you are the victim of a hit and run.

How long do you have to report a car accident in MN? ›

Timeline for Filing a Police Report in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the law requires you to file a police report for any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The report should be filed within ten days of the accident.

When must you report a collision to the police or local law enforcement? ›

The California Vehicle Code requires that drivers or their representative make a written report with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or a local police department within 24 hours of the crash if any of the following apply: Someone is injured; Someone dies; and. Damage to any vehicle or property exceeds $1,000.

When must accidents be reported and to whom? ›

Accidents to members of the public or others who are not at work (such as customers or volunteers) must be reported if: they involve work activity. they result in an injury. the person is taken directly from the scene of the accident to hospital for treatment to that injury.

What is the three collision rule? ›

Motor vehicle crashes involve three types of collisions: vehicle collision, human collision, and internal collision. Being aware of the three collisions concept and understanding the dangers allows occupants to understand where and how their injuries occur.

When you are involved in a collision you must report to your insurance company when? ›

Notify your agent and/or your insurance company immediately. If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.

Do you have to call police after a minor car accident in Minnesota? ›

If you've been involved in a car accident that led to an injury, you'll definitely have to notify the police. As you'll learn later, the state of Minnesota levies substantial penalties for failing to do so. But even if the wreck didn't result in anyone being hurt, you'll want to at least consider calling the police.

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Minnesota? ›

Six years: If your injury is caused by negligent conduct such as a car collision, trucking accident, or motorcycle accident, you typically have six years from the date of your injury to file your suit.

How long does an accident stay on your insurance in MN? ›

Car insurance after an at-fault collision in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the average insurance rate following an at-fault crash is $1,835 compared to the nationwide average of $2,012. A serious incident like an at-fault crash could remain on your insurance record for up to three years!

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance company in California? ›

In terms of deadlines for reporting car accidents to insurance companies in California, the specific requirements vary from one insurance company to the next. Most insurance companies require their policyholders to report accidents within 30 days of the accident.

Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident in California? ›

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in California, contacting the police is an important first step. While the law does not always require you to call the police after a minor accident, having an official report can help protect your rights and ability to recover damages.

What are your responsibilities if you are in a collision? ›

If you are involved in a vehicle collision–STOP. If you don't stop, you may be convicted of a “hit and run” and could be severely punished. Someone could be injured and need help. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report the collision to the police or California Highway Patrol (CHP).

What type of incident must be reported? ›

Various incidents are reported, including workplace injuries, accidents and near-misses, data breaches and security threats, medical emergencies, and customer complaints. Each one needs to be properly documented so incidents can be tracked over time and patterns can be identified.

What are the procedures for reporting an incident? ›

Accident reporting & investigation procedure – 6 steps
  • Check for immediate danger. ...
  • Seek medical assistance. ...
  • Record details in the accident book. ...
  • Conduct a formal investigation. ...
  • Determine if the accident is reportable. ...
  • Review and update safety measures.
May 16, 2024

When should accidents be reported? ›

An accident report should be filled out immediately or no more than 24 hours following an accident or incident even if the injury caused by the accident is minor. Encourage your employees to report accidents as soon as possible to prevent minor accidents from becoming expensive claims.

What is a lateral collision? ›

A side-impact crash is any collision in which one vehicle crashes into the side of another. T-bone car accidents, also called right-angle collisions, occur when one vehicle's front strikes another vehicle's side and are typically associated with intersections where drivers run red lights or stop signs.

What is the most common type of collision? ›

Rear-End Collisions: the Most Common Type of Accident

As their name suggests, rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle, says the NHTSA. Many people wrongly assume that the back driver automatically holds the blame for these rear-end accidents.

Which is the type of collision in which? ›

The main types of collisions are: Elastic Collisions: both momentum as well as kinetic energy is conserved. Inelastic Collisions: only momentum is conserved. Perfectly Inelastic Collisions: The kinetic energy is lost, resulting in the colliding objects to stick to one another after the collision.

Which collision type is the most serious? ›

Head-On Collisions

By far the deadliest accident type is the head-on collision. Head-on collisions consider both vehicle's speed at the time of the crash, which means even an accident at lower speeds can be catastrophic.

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