Thousands of people are injured and killed in car accidents in Washington State each year. Understanding state law governing car accident reports is essential for protecting your legal rights, including those related to insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
This comprehensive guide answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car accident reports in Washington.
1. When Must a Car Accident Be Reported in Washington?
Washington law requires drivers to self-report car accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 within four days if law enforcement does not file a report at the scene. Because minor accidents can cause injuries and significant property damage, it is usually best to call 911 to report a car accident.
Having an official police report can be extremely helpful during the insurance claims process or when filing a car accident lawsuit.
2. Who Must File the Accident Report?
If police officers respond and investigate the scene, they typically file the report. If no officer files a report, each driver involved must submit a written report within four days of the accident. The Washington State Police provides an Online Motor Vehicle Collision Reporting (OMVCR) service on their website.
3. What Information Must Be Included in the Report?
Reports must contain material facts about the crash. Information collected for a report includes, but might not be limited to:
- The date and time of the collision
- The location where the collision occurred, including the address, nearest cross street, city, and state
- Details of how the car accidents occurred
- The weather and road conditions at the time of the crash
- Whether the car accidents involved a hit-and-run, vehicle fire, or stolen vehicle
- The vehicles involved in the accident, including the make, model, and year of each vehicle
- The names, addresses, and contact information for each driver, passenger, vehicle owner, witness, and injured party
- Driver’s license numbers for each driver, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance information
It is important to avoid admitting fault when discussing the accident with an officer or completing a self-report. You should not lie, but you should also refrain from making presumptions about who was at fault for the crash. Provide the facts of how the crash occurred without your analysis of fault.
4. What Happens if You Don’t File the Report on Time?
Failing to file the required report can result in a license suspension until the report is submitted. It can also complicate insurance claims and personal injury cases. There could be additional legal penalties depending on the circumstances.
5. How To Get a Copy of an Accident Report?
Reports are available through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) website. You can search for a collision report through the online system. There is no fee to perform a search. However, you must pay $10.50 per report to purchase it.
6. Why Is the Accident Report Important?
The report provides key evidence for insurance claims and legal actions. It documents involved parties, witness info, vehicle details, injury descriptions, and officer investigation notes. This information can help establish causation, negligence, fault, and liability for a compensation claim.
7. Are There Time Limits for Lawsuits After a Car Accident?
Washington’s statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including car accident claims, is three years from the date of the accident. Exceptions could shorten or lengthen the time to file. It is best to seek prompt legal counsel to avoid missing a deadline.
Insurance claims could have different deadlines. The insurance policy may require injured parties to file a notice of claim within a shorter period. Prompt legal action can help protect your rights for a claim.
8. What Are the Responsibilities After Hitting a Parked Car or Being in a Minor Accident Without Injuries?
In these cases, if the police are not called, the at-fault driver must leave contact and insurance info on the vehicle if the owner cannot be located. The driver must file a report within four days if police officers do not respond to the accident scene.
Remember to keep copies of all documents and communication in case of a claim.
9. What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene?
Washington State imposes severe penalties for hit-and-run accidents. If you leave an accident scene without completing your required legal responsibilities, you can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor. The exact charge depends on the facts of the case.
Potential punishments include fines and jail time.
Do You Need Help With a Car Accident Case in Seattle, WA?
If you were involved in a crash in Washington—especially one resulting in injuries or disputes over fault—consulting a qualified attorney can help ensure your rights are fully protected and that you meet every legal requirement.
The attorneys at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced accident lawyer.
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700A, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225