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 The Importance of Filing a Police Report After a Washington, D.C. Car Crash

After car accidents in Washington, D.C., filing a police report might seem like a formality, especially if the damage appears minor. However, failing to report the accident to law enforcement could have serious legal and financial consequences, particularly if injuries arise later or if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. A police report serves as an official record of the crash and is often the most critical piece of evidence in a car accident case.

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At Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers, we advise accident victims to contact the police and request a report—even when the other driver insists it’s unnecessary. In many cases, what seems like a small incident at the time evolves into a complex insurance dispute or legal claim. Without a police report, your word may be all you have—and that may not be enough.

Under Washington, D.C. law, you are required to report a car accident if:

Someone was injured or killed

The crash caused property damage of $250 or more

The other driver fails to stop or exchange information

You must contact the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) or call 911 from the scene. Officers will typically respond if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or disputes between drivers. If the police do not come to the scene, you can file a report in person at a local precinct or online through the MPD’s website.

The police report includes essential information such as:

Names and contact information of all drivers involved

License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions

Insurance information

Statements from drivers and witnesses

Date, time, and location of the crash

Diagram of the accident scene

The officer’s preliminary assessment of fault

This document creates an unbiased, third-party record of what occurred. Insurance companies, attorneys, and the courts rely heavily on it to determine liability, assess damages, and resolve disputes. Without a report, your claim may be questioned, delayed, or denied.

Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. When you file a claim for damages or medical expenses, they will request a copy of the police report to verify the details. If you didn’t file one, they may argue:

There was no crash

The accident wasn’t serious enough to warrant a claim

Your injuries were caused by something else

The other driver wasn’t at fault

Having a police report removes much of this uncertainty. It supports your version of events and helps prevent the insurer from shifting blame or questioning the legitimacy of your claim.

Car accident injuries don’t always appear immediately. Adrenaline can mask symptoms like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries. You might feel fine at the scene and develop symptoms days later. If you didn’t file a police report, linking those injuries to the crash becomes more difficult.

A police report strengthens your medical claim by providing a timeline. It confirms that an accident occurred and that you sought help or reported the event promptly. This connection is essential in personal injury cases where proving causation is key to recovering damages.

When a car accident leads to legal action—whether for personal injury, property damage, or even wrongful death—the police report becomes a foundational piece of evidence. It is often entered into court records and used by both sides to build their case.

The investigating officer’s observations carry significant weight with judges and juries, especially when they include notations about traffic violations, driver behavior, or citations issued at the scene. These details can help establish negligence and liability under Washington, D.C.’s strict contributory negligence standard.

At Regan Zambri Long, we use police reports to:

Validate client statements

Identify witnesses

Highlight at-fault conduct like speeding or distracted driving

Corroborate injuries and vehicle damage

Locate surveillance cameras or dash cam footage

Without a report, much of this information may be lost or difficult to prove later on.

Sometimes the police may not be available to respond, especially during major weather events or periods of high emergency call volume. If you are unable to get a report at the scene, you should:

Exchange full information with the other driver

Take photos and video of the vehicles, the road, and the injuries

Gather contact information for any witnesses

File a report as soon as possible with the MPD online or in person

Document your efforts to report the crash, including the date, time, and method used

You should also notify your insurance company right away and contact a car accident lawyer to help protect your rights and begin the claims process.

If the police report contains errors, you can request a correction or submit an addendum with clarifying information. While officers strive for accuracy, they may misunderstand statements or overlook key facts during chaotic scenes. Our legal team can help you gather supplemental evidence—like medical records, surveillance video, or expert analysis—to correct or clarify the record.

Even if the report includes unfavorable information, it’s better to have one. Your attorney can explain inconsistencies, challenge false claims, and build a strong case using other evidence.

Filing a police report after a car accident isn’t just a box to check—it’s a vital step in protecting your legal and financial future. Without it, your injury claim may lack the documentation needed to succeed. With it, you have the foundation to pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Washington, D.C., don’t skip this critical step. Call 911, request law enforcement, and ensure a report is filed.

And if you’ve already experienced an accident and need help securing the compensation you deserve, contact Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer free consultations and will walk you through every step of the legal process, starting with the report that could make or break your case.