In this article, we will talk about what’s in a vehicle accident report and other related information.
Transport for NSW’s Road Traffic Casualty Statistical Statement for the year 2022 indicates that the total casualty crashes for 2022 reached 11,963 cases and the total casualties (includes those who were killed, seriously injured, moderately injured, and minor injured) reached 14,841 cases.
Let us now dive into understanding the purpose of vehicle accident reports in NSW.
READ: NSW Car Accident Law
Vehicle Accident Report Essentials
In New South Wales, victims or witnesses must report a crash to the NSW Police when they meet certain conditions. You can submit a vehicle or traffic accident report online only in the following instances:
- the situation is not an emergency or life-threatening
- you are no longer at the scene when the crash occurred
- no drivers/riders appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- No persons were seriously injured or killed.
- all drivers/riders/owners have exchanged particulars
- At least one vehicle involved in the crash had to be towed because of the crash.
- you require a NSW Police Event number for insurance purposes.
IMPORTANT: If someone is hurt in an accident or if it’s an emergency case, call 000 immediately.
Other Things to Consider
In preparing a vehicle accident report, you must have the following details:
- your email address.
- details of the crash, including the time and date (when the incident occurred), and location.
- details of all involved parties in the crash, including description and if registered, registration number, and state.
- name and address of all other vehicle driver/riders and any damaged property owners.
- name, address and date of birth of any person/s travelling within your vehicle who sustained minor injuries.
To submit a vehicle accident report online for non-emergency cases, follow this link and answer the questions. However, the NSW Police Force Community Portal does not accept all kinds of reports. You must answer a brief questionnaire to determine if the minor traffic collision you would like to report can be reported online.
Remember that you CAN’T submit a vehicle accident report online if:
- The situation IS an emergency or life threatening
- You are still at the scene of the crash
- A driver/rider appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- A person has been seriously injured or killed
- A driver/rider/owner left the scene without exchanging particulars
READ: Accident Compensation Claims
Additional Tips for a Vehicle Accident Report
For future reference, here are some additional tips in preparing for a vehicle accident report in NSW, Australia:
- Gather Evidence at the Scene (if safe to do so). Gathering evidence of the scene of the accident as it will establish the damage caused by the collision. Take note of skid marks, road signs, and any injuries on the persons involved. You can also politely request from the witnesses their personal details and ask them for a short description of what happened. Moreover, car dashcams may also be helpful if it’s available.
- Document Everything. Create a traffic crash reporting the date, time, and location where the accident took place. If possible, get the names of the drivers and passengers, and the car licences and plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
- Contact Your Insurance Company. If you’re not terribly injured by the accident, your insurance company should be informed immediately about the accident so that the claim can be processed.
Vehicle Accident Report FAQs
- When must police attend and investigate crashes?
A: If the traffic crash meets the ‘Major Traffic Crash’ criteria, the Police must attend and investigate. This is when any of the three circumstances occur:
- A person is killed or injured
- a party fails to stop and exchange particulars, or
- a driver is allegedly under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug.
- Will police station officers attend crashes that do not meet the ‘Major Traffic Crash’ criteria?
A: Yes, there are situations when they should still go to the crash site:
- The Police needs to direct traffic or deal with hazards, or
- A bus or truck must be towed, or
- There are hazards present (eg. leaking fluids, damage to power poles/structures, etc), or
- There are other issues requiring police attendance (e.g. aggressive/criminal behaviour etc).
- Should I call the police if there is serious property damage at the accident scene?
A: Yes, if the crash is of a peculiar nature and there is serious damage to property that might cause more damage or obstruction, call the police immediately so they can determine what to do based on those circumstances.
MORE FAQS: NSW Police Crash Reporting FAQs
Protect Your Rights After a Car Crash
If a car crash recently injured you and you have accident insurance, you may file a personal injury claim or insurance claims. However, complications may arise in the process.
A traffic attorney from JB Solicitors can represent you and make sure that your personal injury claim will run smoothly. We can also investigate the accident, gather proof to support your claims, and talk to with insurance providers on your behalf.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how to file a traffic or collision report.
