Do I Need to Report My Car Accident to the Police?
"I’ve been in a car accident. Do I actually need to report it to the police?”
It’s a common question, particularly after a crash that doesn't seem too serious at the time.
You might be standing on the side of the road thinking, “Everyone’s okay, the cars can probably be moved, and we’ve swapped details. Do I really need to involve the police?”
The short answer is: it depends.
When do I have to report an accident to the police?
In Queensland, you must report an accident to police within 24 hours if:
- someone has been killed or injured;
- a vehicle involved in the crash needs to be towed away;
- another driver fails or refuses to provide their required details;
- there is property damage worth more than $2,500; or
- there is damage to public infrastructure.
So, for example, if you're involved in a accident on a Queensland road and your vehicle has to be towed because it isn't driveable, you need to report it. Likewise, if you've been injured and need medical attention, you need to report it.
If you are at the scene, and any of the above have occurred, please contact 000. Otherwise, you can go down to your local police station to report the crash.
If nobody was injured, no vehicle needs to be towed and everyone swaps their details, you generally don't have to report the accident.
You can still make a record of a non-reportable crash if you want to, particularly if you need to make an insurance claim. You can do this online (https://www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting/traffic-crash-launch) or via Policelink.
What details should I get from the other driver?
Whether or not police attend, you should exchange information with the other people involved. This includes:
- name and address;
- a photo of their driver's license;
- the vehicle owner's name and address if different from the driver; and
- vehicle registration number.
If you can safely do so, it's also helpful to take photographs of the vehicles, the road, signs, and any damage to the vehicles (yours and theirs).
If there are witnesses, get their details too.
What if the other driver won't give me their details?
Don't get into an argument on the side of the road. Just write down what information you can observe, take photos, and contact Policelink on 131 444 so they can determine whether police need to attend.
What if I've been injured?
This is where reporting the accident becomes particularly important.
If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident and you're considering making a Queensland CTP (Compulsory Third Party) claim, the crash needs to be reported to police.
Again, you can do this by attending at your local police station, or we can help you by completing the Report of Traffic Incident to Police form (which you can also find on the MAIC website).
What should I do after a crash?
If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident, a good starting point is:
- Stop and make sure everyone is safe.
- Call 000 if there is an emergency, serious injury or immediate danger.
- Exchange required details with the other people involved.
- Report the accident to police if it is reportable.
- Get medical treatment.
- If you've been injured, get advice about your potential CTP claim and any time limits that may apply.
Don't worry if you're not sure what you're supposed to do.
The most important thing is to make sure you're safe, get medical treatment if you need it and report the accident when required. And when you're ready, reach out and obtain some advice regarding whether you can make a CTP claim to assist with the costs of your medical treatment, and the impact of your injuries.