What to Do If You’re Involved
in a Traffic Crash

IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH, YOU MUST TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS TO ENSURE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW.

Stop.

Pull out of the driving lane, if possible, onto the shoulder. Turn off the ignition to decrease the risk of fire.

Protect Yourself and the Crash Scene.

Warn other drivers of danger with emergency warning lights, flares or a flashlight.

Call the Nearest Law Enforcement Agency or Dial 9-1-1.

If someone in the crash is injured or killed, you MUST call 9-1-1 as quickly as possible.

Provide Assistance.

If you are qualified, administer first aid. Otherwise, do what you can to make injured persons comfortable. You are required by law to provide a reasonable degree of assistance to crash victims.

Exchange Information.

Provide your name, address, date of birth, and your vehicle license plate number to other drivers involved in the crash and to any law enforcement officer at the scene. You must also show your driver’s license, if requested.

In return, get the same information from other drivers involved in the crash, as well as information from any witnesses.

Provide and Obtain Insurance Information

If requested, furnish the name and address of the insurance company that provides your vehicle’s liability insurance and the name of your local insurance agent. This information must also be given to a peace officer investigating the crash. If you don not have this information, you must provide it within 72 hours.

Property Damage

If a crash results only in property damage, it is not necessary to notify law enforcement. If your vehicle is disabled, have it towed as soon as possible. If you damage property other than your vehicle (whether public property or private property), you MUST inform the property owner.

File a Traffic Crash (Accident) Report

Every driver of a motor vehicle involved in a crash that results in injury or death or a total property damage of $1000 or more must forward a traffic crash report within 20 days of the crash to:
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota St., Suite 181
St. Paul, MN 55101-5181.

To download a PDF version of this form from the Department of Vehicle Services, click http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/

Obtain a Copy of the Crash Report

If the crash occurred in Scott County and a Scott County deputy took the crash report, you can obtain a copy of the crash from our Records Department at the Sheriff’s Office by calling 952-496-8309. Some fees may apply.