Decoding the Details: A Guide on How to Read an Accident Report

If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence and want to file a claim, every piece of evidence is crucial. One of the most important pieces of evidence in a car accident case is the police accident report. So what is a police accident report, and what does it contain? Read on to find out. 

What A Police Accident Report Is

When a car accident occurs and a police officer is called to the scene of the accident, they usually must file an electronic report form with the Rhode Island DMV within two weeks. This report details what the officer saw at the scene of the accident, statements from the drivers involved, and (depending on the case) their personal assessment of which party(s) were at fault. If the accident resulted in any physical injuries or property damage valued above $1,000, officers are required to submit an accident report. You should always call the police after an accident in order for them to assess the scene, but there are times where the police may not respond in a timely manner. Under certain conditions, all the drivers involved must file their own accident reports with the DMV within a 21 day period. If any injuries or property damage valued at over $1,000 were sustained, drivers are required to self-report. 

After the officer and/or parties involved file a report, the state government puts it into a database so that it may be accessed later if necessary. The information from a report may also be used when compiling car accident statistics or data for policy changes and decisions down the line.

Breaking Down An Accident Report

Here are the elements that an accident report typically consists of:

• The specific location and time of the accident, with the location stated to the nearest intersection. If the accident didn’t happen at an intersection, the officer needs to record the distance (in feet) and direction to the closest intersection.
• Identifying information for all vehicles involved in the accident, including:
  • Drivers’ names, license numbers, contact information
  • License plate numbers
  • Insurance information
  • The direction in which each vehicle was headed before the accident
• Any injuries and property damage; if there was any damage to one or multiple vehicle(s), an estimate of the repairs would be recorded. If there were any injuries or fatalities, the reporter should detail injuries and basic medical details 
• A description of the circumstances of the accident that answers questions like:
  • How the drivers were traveling prior to the accident
  • If any traffic violations were observed
  • The people and vehicles involved, including cyclists, pedestrians, or parked cars
  • Any resulting damage or injuries
  • Site of impact on each vehicle
  • Any resulting damage 
• Reporters may need to include third-party documentation or supplementary forms depending on the type of accident that occurred, which may include:
  • Estimates for repairing or replacing non-vehicular property
  • Documents for vehicle damage like repair estimates
  • Documentation from an employer estimating lost wages for the injured party
  • Copies of bills or medical documentation for injuries incurred

Contact Us Today

A car accident attorney can help you collect evidence such as the police report and assist with getting the optimal result for your claim. If you or somebody you love was involved in a car accident, call Tapalian Law for a free consultation with a top Rhode Island car accident attorney today.