Generally, when you’re involved in a road accident, the responding officer will prepare an official report. However, you may also be required to file a report independently with your insurance provider or state department of motor vehicles. Before preparing your accident report, however, ensure all people involved are safe. If not, call for help!

Here is How You Can Prepare a Remarkable Car Accident Report:

Record the Identification and Insurance Details of the Other Driver

Regardless of who may have caused the accident, you must ensure everyone is safe and exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. You may consider a personal injury lawsuit at a later date.

Before taking their details, ensure they are not injured; if they’re injured, call for help first

Get their license and record the name, where they live, date of birth, and gender. Also, ensure you know the state that gave them their license, license number, and expiry date.

Contact the cops if the other driver doesn’t have identification or insurance. Inform the police you cannot get the other driver’s needed legal documentation.

Write Down Information About the Vehicles Involved

In the accident report, ensure you indicate the year, make, models, and color of the vehicles involved. Also, describe the vehicle in basic terms, like if it is a car, tractor, SUV, or motorbike.

Note the details of the damages. For example, “Models has a shattered bumper and a ding on the back rear bumper.”

Note each car’s license plate numbers and state names. For insurance claims, you need to record the vehicle identifying numbers (VINs)

Ask for Identification for Witnesses

Ensure you ask for the names and contacts of people who witnessed the accident. They may come to your rescue when the court or insurance company requires you to prove your argument.

Write down names, phone numbers, residences, and occupations. You can add any other information that they are willing to give.

Take Pictures of the Scene

If you have a smartphone, take as many photographs as possible of the accident scene and the car damage.

Take images as quickly as possible after the accident to ensure that the light and weather circumstances are identical

It would help if you also photographed all of the persons involved.

If you’re hurt, take pics of your wounds as early as possible, preferably before a doctor treats them.

Get Statements from Any Witnesses

Try and talk to witnesses who are happy to provide an official statement about what they saw.

It’s essential to take testimony from an eyewitness on the scene, followed by their contact if you need to contact them later. Many witnesses would not be willing to come forward following the incident. In that case, use your phone to record audio or videos of their statements if possible.

Please note their exact location at the time of the crash and take pictures. Please make a note of any signs, poles, trees, or other things that may have obstructed their line of sight.

Bottom Line

This post has given you tips for preparing a good car accident report. Such reports can come in handy when claiming compensation from your insurer or being sued by the other driver.