Legal Duties After an Accident

Scott Scherr • June 17, 2025

The law imposes certain obligations on you if you are in an accident.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, the law requires that you provide certain information to the other driver. You must provide your name, address, and registration information. If requested, you must also provide your driver's license. You must provide this information to any person injured in the accident or to anyone in a vehicle that sustains property damage. If the police come to the scene, you must provide your driver's license to the police officer.


If the other vehicle is unattended, you must leave a note containing the information. If it is impossible to leave a note, you must go to the closest police station and report the accident. Your failure to follow these steps could lead to one or more charges for leaving the scene of the accident which carries possible jail time.


If anyone requires medical attention, you have a duty to provide assistance. This may include calling for an ambulance, dialing 911, or transporting the person to a doctor or hospital.


In addition, you should promptly report the accident to your insurance company. Most insurance policies require you to report an accident as soon as possible.


It is important to comply with the law to avoid legal issues later.

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