A car accident report is essential if you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Most traffic accidents must be reported to the police. However, it is wise to report any accident to the police so you have an official record. In this blog, our Minot personal injury attorneys discuss car accident reports and what to do after a car accident in Minot, ND.
When Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in North Dakota?
North Dakota law requires drivers to stop at the accident scene and remain there until they fulfill their legal obligations. The law requires drivers to report car accidents that:
- Result in bodily injury or death
- Cause at least $4,000 in property damage
Whether you feel “okay” after a car crash or do not believe your car sustained $4,000 in damage, it is wise to call 911 to report the crash. Car accident injuries may not result in immediate symptoms. Therefore, you may have sustained injuries you are unaware of at the crash site.
Repairs to vehicles can be costly. Minor car accidents can cause more than $4,000 in damage. Your vehicle could have damage that is not apparent until a mechanic inspects the vehicle. If you need to file a claim, having an official accident report can make settling a claim easier.
Ways to Get a Car Accident Report in Minot, ND
There are several ways to obtain a car accident report in Minot, ND.
Reportable crashes (i.e., resulting in injury or $4,000 or more in damage) can be obtained from the North Dakota Department of Transportation. You can purchase the accident report online. You must be able to provide at least two of the following pieces of information to obtain the car accident report: date of the crash, last name, and/or county of the crash.
If the Ward County Sheriff’s Department investigated the accident, you can request a copy of the accident report from their office. Beginning January 1, 2022, the Minot Police Department no longer releases ND State Crash Reports to the public. You must obtain the crash report through the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Minot, ND
The steps you take after a car accident could help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Things to do after a car accident include:
- Call 911 to report the crash to the police
- Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact details
- Make a video of the accident scene and take photos with your cell phone
- Do not admit fault for the crash or discuss the crash with anyone other than the police officer
- Do not make assumptions about fault when giving the police officer details about the crash
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, you may receive economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver. Contact an attorney to determine how North Dakota laws impact your accident claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Minot Personal Injury Attorney
Car accident claims can be challenging to navigate. Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. to schedule a free case evaluation with our Minot personal injury attorneys. We will evaluate your claim and explain your legal options for recovering damages.
