What to do after a car accident: the police report

A police report and a state crash form are not always the same document. Some agencies will not come to a private lot. The state can still want a written report from you.

When California wants a report

The DMV handbook says you must stop. Leaving the scene is a hit-and-run. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt. You must make a report to law enforcement within 24 hours of the collision if anyone is injured or killed. Your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative can also file that report.

Separately, you must report the collision to DMV within 10 days if the collision caused more than $1,000 in damage to property, or if anyone was injured or killed, even if the injuries were minor. Each driver files a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1), including collisions on private property. The SR-1 page repeats the 10-day rule and the $1,000 line.

Law enforcement will not make the DMV report for you. A missed SR-1 can suspend a driving privilege.

The insurance department still tells you to attempt to notify the police. In some places officers will not come if the crash is on private property.

When Texas says to call police

Texas DOT says to call the police when an injury or fatality is involved, the vehicles cannot be moved, you suspect a driver is intoxicated, a driver has no insurance, or a driver leaves the scene.

If no one is hurt and you can drive the vehicle, Texas law requires you to move it out of the flow of traffic. You still stop and exchange information if there is damage.

What to keep even if no officer writes a report

Names, plates, insurance companies, photos of the damage and the scene, and witness numbers. What to do in the first hours is that list. Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company? is the call that often arrives before a report copy does.

A missing report does not stop the lawsuit clock. How long you have to file is still set by the state.