How to File a Police Report After a Car Accident: 5 Key Steps

Just had a car accident and unsure how to handle the police report part? New Jersey law requires drivers to inform local or state police if there’s injury, death, or property damage over $500.

This quick guide will clearly show you how to file a police report after a car accident in five simple steps—so you’ll know exactly what comes next with insurance claims, vehicle repairs, and protecting your rights.

Keep reading for details that can save you trouble later.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident

The first moments after a crash can make or break your future insurance claim. Quick action at the scene helps protect your rights and builds a strong case for any needed legal action.

Ensure safety and check for injuries

Your safety matters most after a car crash. Pull over safely, and turn your car’s engine off immediately. Next, check yourself carefully for injuries or bleeding. Don’t forget your passengers—ask them clearly if they’re hurt, dizzy, or feeling odd.

Flip on your hazard lights right away, making your car visible to others. Doing this can help prevent another accident.

Your first action after any collision should be to assess injuries, not fault.

If you need help after a car accident, call 911 quickly without hesitation. Even something small, like minor pain, can mean a major issue needing medical attention. If your car still runs, and staying put seems risky, slowly move to the roadside.

Otherwise, stay inside with your seatbelts fastened until help comes. This simple action keeps you safer from nearby traffic and clears the way for rescue teams.

Call the police to report the accident

Once you’ve made sure everyone is okay, it’s time to contact the police. Grab your phone and dial 911 for major accidents, or call the local non-emergency line for little bumps and scrapes.

In Arkansas, you’re required by law to file a police report if someone gets hurt or the damage is over $1,000. Even small fender benders need a report—you’ll probably need it later for your insurance company.

Officers will fill out an official report describing exactly what happened. They gather important details like weather, road conditions, and statements from each driver involved. Give clear, honest answers, and stick to what you know for sure.

Don’t try guessing or offering extra details you aren’t sure about. Afterward, they’ll hand you a case number, which is necessary when dealing with insurance claims. This police report may serve as crucial proof down the road, helping you get fair compensation for medical expenses or car repairs.

How to File a Police Report

Filing a police report after a car crash helps you gather key facts for your insurance claim. The report creates an official record of what happened, which can protect you if the other driver changes their story later.

Provide accurate details about the accident

Tell the police officer clearly what happened in your crash. Describe what you noticed before, during, and right after impact. Provide specifics—like exact timing, road conditions, and any traffic signals you observed.

Also, point out skid marks, broken glass, or vehicle parts scattered around. Officers need these details to write a full accident report for insurance purposes. By law, you must report property damage exceeding $1,000, or if anyone involved needed medical help.

Stick only to facts you saw—don’t guess or assume details.

If you can, quickly snap some photos of vehicle damage, license plates, and the overall crash area. These pictures make strong evidence later and support your side of events. Police officers usually collect witness statements at the scene, but extra proof never hurts.

Before you leave, write down the police report number for your records. Next, we’ll cover how statements from witnesses can help build your case.

Include witness statements and evidence

Witness statements give strength to your police report following a car accident. Talk to anyone nearby who saw the crash—get their names, phone numbers, and a brief description of exactly what they saw.

Their version of events can prevent arguments later, especially about who caused the accident. Police will add these statements to their official report, providing valuable support if you later file a personal injury claim.

A good witness can make the difference between winning and losing your case.

Capture clear photos

This information builds your case, providing solid proof if you encounter issues with insurance or must file a lawsuit to recover medical costs or lost wages.

How to Get a Copy of the Police Report

Getting a copy of your police report is a key step after a car accident. You can ask for your report in person at the police station or request it online through the DMV website.

Request the report online or in person

You have a few easy ways to get a copy of your crash report. One fast option is through the DMV website, using Form TR-67A—you don’t even need to step foot inside a police station.

Busy people usually prefer this convenient method. If you like doing things face-to-face, just visit your local police department. Bring valid ID and know the date the accident occurred.

In North Carolina, you’ll pay $5.50 for a certified copy because crash reports count as public records. You can download form MV-198C directly from www.dmv.ny.gov. Your insurance company will ask for a copy of this report before handling your claim—so try not to wait too long to get it.

How Will Car Accident Reporting Change in 2025?

California’s rules for reporting car accidents will change significantly in 2025. Drivers must still notify the DMV within 10 days if a crash involves injuries or fatalities. The big difference will be in required insurance coverage.

California will increase its minimum liability insurance to $15,000 for each injured person, a total of $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for any property damage. The aim of this update is to better protect crash victims—medical bills and repair prices are getting higher every year.

Police reports will still be essential whenever someone gets hurt in a collision. Drivers who don’t submit these reports can face license suspensions and other penalties.

In many areas, the reporting process itself will shift toward digital methods. Local police departments are already letting drivers file accident details online instead of going to the station.

This helps speed up insurance claims. Some locations even provide QR codes at crash scenes to help start the reporting process immediately. Smart drivers always have their license, insurance papers, and contact details easily accessible after accidents.

Being prepared in this way helps you avoid hassles with your insurance provider and reduces the risk of needing to avoid a traffic ticket for failing to report the accident.

People Also Ask