The Short Answer…
West Virginia law requires you to call 911 immediately after a car accident if anyone is injured, killed, or if the property damage totals $1,000 or more. The call will connect you with the local police, county sheriff, or state police depending on where the accident happened. If officers do not respond to the scene of a less serious crash, you can still file a police report in person at the nearest police station, sheriff’s office, or state police detachment.
Even in cases where reporting isn’t mandatory, a police report for a car accident can make all the difference when filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation, as it provides valuable documentation that protects your rights, records what happened, and helps resolve disputes later on.
Key Takeaways
- Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt, killed, or property damage exceeds $1,000—this is a legal requirement.
- File in person at a local police station or sheriff’s office if no officer responds to the scene.
- Get a copy of the report from the responding agency. It may be required for insurance or legal claims.
- Police reports strengthen your case by providing an official, neutral record of the accident.
- A West Virginia car accident attorney can help you obtain the report, review it, and use it to pursue maximum compensation.
Do You Need a Police Report for a West Virginia Car Accident?
In West Virginia, not every minor accident requires a police report, but state law makes it clear that you must file a report if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- Property damage exceeds $1,000
- The accident is a hit-and-run
For small fender-benders, you may not be legally obligated to file. However, having a police report for a car accident can protect you from disputes with insurance companies or the other driver. Filing a report ensures there’s an official record, which can be especially valuable if injuries or damages appear later.
Benefits of Having a Police Report
- Provides neutral evidence of what happened.
- Strengthens insurance claims and supports your version of events.
- Helps in hit-and-run cases where the other driver flees.
- Serves as vital proof if your case goes to court.
What Happens If You Don’t File a Police Report?
Depending on the circumstances, failing to report an accident in West Virginia can lead to fines, license suspension, and complications with your insurance claim. More importantly, without an official car accident police report, it may be harder to prove fault or recover damages.
How to Report a Car Accident to the Police
If you’ve been in a crash, knowing exactly how to file a police report for a car accident can prevent confusion and make the claims process smoother. Here are the steps to take in West Virginia:
- Ensure Safety First: Turn on your hazard lights, check for injuries, and move vehicles to a safe location if possible. Never leave the scene until the situation is under control.
- Call 911: Explain that you were in a car accident and request an officer. The dispatcher will determine whether city police, the county sheriff, or state police will respond. Give them your exact location, the number of vehicles involved, and whether anyone is hurt.
- Stay at the Scene Until Police Arrive: When officers arrive, answer their questions truthfully and provide your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information.
- Exchange Information With Other Drivers: While waiting, collect the names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, the crash location, traffic signs, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. These can support your version of events and help correct mistakes if the police report is inaccurate.
- File a Report: The responding officer will typically prepare the official accident report. If police do not come to the scene, you should visit the nearest police station, county sheriff’s office, or state police office to file a written report yourself.
- Request the Report Number: Before leaving, ask the officer for the incident or report number and instructions on how to obtain a copy. This report will be essential for insurance claims, legal disputes, or injury lawsuits.
What If Police Don’t Come to the Scene?
For minor accidents, police may not respond. In that case, you can still:
- Visit the local police station, county sheriff’s office, or state police office.
- File a written report with the details of the crash.
- Request a copy of the police report once it’s filed.
This ensures there’s still a record for insurance and legal purposes.
How to Get a Copy of a Police Report for a Car Accident
After you’ve filed or the police have created a report, you’ll likely need a copy for insurance or legal purposes. Here’s how to find a police report for a car accident in West Virginia:
- Contact the Responding Agency: The agency that responded to the accident will usually be the one that holds the vehicle crash report. This may be the city police, the county sheriff’s office, or the West Virginia State Police. If you’re not sure which agency responded, check the paperwork or call the non-emergency number for guidance.
- Visit in Person or Call: You can request the report by visiting the records division of the police department or sheriff’s office. Some departments allow phone requests followed by email or mail delivery.
- Check Online Options: Certain departments and the West Virginia State Police provide online portals where you can request and pay for a report. You’ll typically need the report number, date of the accident, and names of the drivers involved.
- Pay a Small Fee: Accident reports usually come with a modest fee, often around $20, though costs vary depending on the agency.
- Ask Your Insurance Company: Sometimes insurers can access and provide you with a copy, especially if they’ve already requested it for your claim.
If you’re wondering where to get a police report for a car accident, the fastest approach is to start with the law enforcement agency that came to the scene. If no officer responded, you should request it from the agency where you filed the report.
At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we regularly help clients locate and obtain car accident police reports. If you’re having trouble finding yours, our team can handle the process so you can focus on recovery.
Amending a Police Report
Mistakes happen. If the police report has errors, you can request an amendment by contacting the law enforcement agency that issued it. Providing additional documents or evidence often strengthens your case.
How Our West Virginia Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we understand how important a car accident police report is to the outcome of your case. Insurance companies often use these reports to decide fault and compensation, which is why having experienced attorneys review and leverage them on your behalf can make all the difference.
Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- We help you get the report you need. If you’re struggling to find a police report or don’t know where to get a police report for a car accident, our team will track it down for you.
- We use reports to build stronger cases. A police report can establish fault and liability, and we know how to use these details to protect your rights.
- We fight for maximum compensation. From medical bills to lost wages, we work to recover every dollar you may be owed.
- We work on contingency. You don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Our free case reviews mean you can get answers without risk or upfront cost.
- We serve clients throughout West Virginia. Whether you’re in Charleston, Huntington, Dunbar, or anywhere else in the state, our attorneys are here to stand by your side.
When you’re facing the stress of an accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about handling police reports, paperwork, or pushback from insurers alone. Stewart Bell, PLLC is ready to fight for you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.
