When is it necessary to file a written report with the DMV after a crash?

Filing a written report with the DMV after a crash is necessary if the police did not respond to the scene. This is crucial because, in the absence of a police report, it is essential for involved parties to document the incident thoroughly for insurance purposes and to meet legal obligations. A written report helps establish the facts of the crash, including details about the vehicles involved, the circumstances of the incident, and any other relevant information, which can be vital in resolving any disputes or claims that may arise later.

While injuries are serious and often warrant reports from authorities, not all accidents with injuries require a DMV report if police have already documented the event. Similarly, crashes that occur in a parking lot may still necessitate a report, but the determining factor is whether the police were present. The presence of a known driver does not alone obligate anyone to file a report; it's the absence of law enforcement that triggers this requirement when specific conditions are met.