Do I need to report a car accident to the police?

Yes, if you are involved in a car accident in Washington, you are required to report it to the police. The state of Washington requires any accident where the total amount of damages is over $1,000 to be reported to the police. Generally, this means that any accident that involves one or more vehicles that have been damaged will have to be reported to the police. You may be required to report the accident even if the total damages do not exceed $1,000; some jurisdictions may require an accident report to be filed regardless of the amount of damage. If you are involved in a car accident, you should always stop and exchange information with the other drivers involved as well as contact the police. If you fail to do so, you could be found at fault for the accident and be subject to criminal penalties. When you contact the police, they will investigate the scene of the accident, take reports, and generate an accident report. They may also take witness statements and photographs. By filing a police report, you are creating a record of the accident that can be referred to in any potential court case should you choose to pursue legal action against the other drivers involved. The police report can also be used to demonstrate that you were not at fault for the accident. Overall, if you have been involved in a car accident in Washington, you are required to contact the police and file a report as soon as possible.

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