A minor car accident can leave you wondering what you’re supposed to do next. If nobody appears to be injured and the vehicles have only minor damage, do you really need to call the police?
In Montana, the answer depends on the circumstances of the accident. State law sets out specific situations in which an accident must be reported to law enforcement.
Here’s what Montana drivers should know and some practical steps to consider after a minor collision.
When Are You Required to Report a Car Accident in Montana?
Under Montana law, a driver must immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency if an accident results in:
- Injury or death of any person
- Striking the body of a deceased person
- Apparent property damage of $1,000 or more
If the accident happens within a municipality, notice should be given to the local police department. Outside a municipality, the appropriate agency is the county sheriff or nearest office of the Montana Highway Patrol.
This is important because even a collision that looks relatively minor can result in more than $1,000 of vehicle damage.
If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage or whether the accident needs to be reported, contacting local law enforcement is a sensible way to clarify what you should do.
Do You Have to Call the Police for Every Fender Bender in Montana?
No. Contrary to a common misconception, Montana law does not say that every car accident must immediately be reported to police regardless of how minor it is.
The reporting requirements depend on factors including whether anyone has been injured and the apparent value of the property damage.
However, just because an accident doesn’t appear to meet the reporting threshold doesn’t mean you should simply drive away.
Drivers involved in an accident still need to follow the applicable requirements concerning stopping and exchanging information.
Why Might You Still Want to Report a Minor Accident?
Even when an accident initially appears minor, documenting what happened can be useful.
Immediately after a collision, it isn’t always easy to determine the full extent of vehicle damage. Modern bumpers, sensors, cameras and other components can also make apparently small repairs more expensive than expected.
A record of the accident may also be useful when dealing with insurance companies, particularly if the drivers later disagree about what happened.
If law enforcement attends and investigates the accident, the officer may prepare an official crash report where required.
What Information Should You Collect After a Minor Car Accident?
Once you’re in a safe position, try to document the accident while the details are still fresh.
Useful information can include:
- The other driver’s name and contact details
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration information
- Insurance details
- The make, model and license plate of the other vehicle
- Photographs of both vehicles and any visible damage
- Photographs showing the overall accident scene
- The location, date and approximate time
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Notes about what happened immediately before the collision
When taking photographs, consider capturing the wider scene as well as close-ups of vehicle damage. Road markings, traffic signals, signs and the positions of the vehicles may provide useful context.
Avoid arguing about who was responsible for the accident. Concentrate on safety, exchanging the necessary information and recording what happened.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Your first priority should always be safety.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and, where possible, move away from immediate danger. Call 911 if anyone needs emergency assistance.
Once the immediate situation is safe, exchange the necessary information with the other driver, document the scene and report the accident to law enforcement when required.
You should also consider notifying your insurer promptly and following any accident-reporting requirements contained in your policy.
Experiencing Neck or Back Pain After a Car Accident in Billings?
At Billings Chiropractic Injury Clinic, we assess people experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms following motor vehicle accidents.
An initial assessment can help determine the nature of your symptoms and whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, back pain, stiffness or restricted movement following a car accident in Billings, Montana, contact Billings Chiropractic Injury Clinic to find out more about scheduling an assessment.
This article provides general information and is not intended as legal or medical advice. Montana laws and reporting requirements can change. If you’re unsure of your legal obligations following an accident, check the current Montana Code or contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
