What Information You Need to Report an Accident

The National Safety Council (NSC) also estimates 18,720 motor vehicle deaths in the first half of 2025, a 13% decrease compared to 2024. 

Though statistics are decreasing, it doesn’t change the fact that accidents still happen. And to deal with that, you need to make sure you have enough details of the incident.

Collected information is reported to the authorities to determine accountability and claims. And it will also make the process faster and more reliable.

Here’s how to report a car accident to the police to make sure the case gets processed efficiently and smoothly.

Gather Basic Information From All Parties Involved

When a collision happens, the first thing you need to learn are the basics. There are the names and contact information of everyone involved. You must also ask for the insurance data because you will need that during the process. Remember the date and the time the accident happened.

Make sure that everyone is safe. Take note of any injuries. Once medical attention has been given to all involved, start asking witnesses for their information. Their accounts can be used when reconstructing the incident.

It’s essential for everybody to become involved. It establishes a sense of cooperation and accountability among all people involved while learning the vital issues that need to be addressed.

Document the Scene With Photos and Diagrams

According to car accident lawyer Joshua L. Rubenstein, use your phone to capture the damage and the surrounding scene. This can help prove how the crash happened. Document the full extent of the harm by recording skid marks and injuries, too.

Capturing photos and making a scene diagram is essential when documenting the event for what actually took place. Starting with wide shots will provide an impression of the entire area, followed by close-up shots of the damage to vehicles and the positions of skid marks to make them more visible. 

They shall ideally show the area with vital items of evidence clearly, such as the damage, skid marks, underside of the vehicle, and other required items. Creating the diagram now will help clarify the situation. 

Photographs and diagrams will serve as references, including only the elements that were actually altered during the incident. This activity serves to elect the main benefit to the victimized side.

Collect Witness Statements and Contact Information

The outcome of an accident situation mostly relies on the testimony given by the witnesses. It is safe to say that people down the street who saw the incident can help a lot to the parties who are concerned.

Always courteously solicit the witnesses for their statement, and once armed with that smiley face of satisfaction, feel free to write or tape-record what they have to say if those witnesses are open to allowing such tapes. 

You are expected to be polite to the extent that you will ask for their personal contact information—their names, phone numbers, or email addresses, which are understood to be provided in case you need to contact them later on. This kind of data not only serves to unravel the position but also creates a kind of backup for you during your stressful period.

You’d agree that these witnesses mostly make a good-faith effort to facilitate, and the acknowledgment of their help will afford them esteem in their community. You’re not alone; you are joined by others who would stand beside you.

Note the Details of the Accident

Accidents are a mess and disorienting, and it is necessary to compose a detailed report as early as possible. Note down the date, time, or place of the event—details about any vehicles are to follow. 

Be sure to try and fill in the specifics about a car, so a make model or color or any other small details to the extent of one’s ability. Did you notice that the weather was the worst factor or a certain distressing state of the road surface? That would be a very persuasive statement to make about your account. 

In case you own a camera, then you should try taking photographs right on the spot, revealing the destruction of the car and the road signs. The greater the specifics are, the better you will be ready for the later conversations. Keep some control over this once more awful time for yourself.

Report to Insurance and Law Enforcement

After you have noted every detail of the accident, it is now time to make calls of awareness to your insurance provider and local police. This step isn’t just necessary for your peace of mind; it is a resolution to all problems that resulted from this accident. 

While informing your insurance agent about the incident, it is very important to give them the complete story with all evidence and witnesses involved. Agents are meant to be your support; hence, do not hesitate to ask them anything.

In legal terms, the police report can be highly important for you if there are injuries or extensive damages. If there’s documentation of the scene, this can be fundamentally necessary for your claim. 

Remember that you are not alone in this situation; both your insurance company and the police are here to help you. Don’t let your anger run wild. Don’t push too hard, and deal with one obstacle at a time.