A crash on a New Hampshire road can turn an ordinary day upside down. Maybe it happened on the Spaulding Turnpike or at a busy intersection in Dover, and now you’re hurt and facing questions you weren’t prepared for. Some people tell us the most frustrating part after the crash is sorting through the paperwork while insurers keep asking for information they don’t yet have.
One of the first pieces of information you’ll need is the police report. It explains what the responding officers saw and includes details that can help with insurance claims. If you’re not sure how to request the report or which agency to connect with, a New Hampshire car accident lawyer at Shaheen & Gordon can help guide you through the next steps and help protect your rights.
What does a police report include after a car accident?
A police report helps tell the story of the collision It usually includes details that insurance companies rely on, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Names of the drivers and passengers
- A description of the vehicles involved
- The responding police officer’s observations
- Statements from those involved
- Notes about immediate injuries, road conditions, or delayed symptoms
This information helps with insurance claims and gives insurers a clearer picture of what caused the crash. The DMV will not mark fault on your driving record, but insurance companies do review these reports closely when deciding how to handle a claim.
Are you required to report a car accident in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, an accident has to be reported in writing to the DMV within 15 days if it caused death, personal injury, and/or more than $1,000 in total vehicle or property damage
If a police officer responds to the scene, you don’t have to file this report yourself. The officer will submit the State of New Hampshire Uniform Police Traffic Accident Report (DSMV 159).
If police didn’t respond, you’re responsible for filing an Operator’s Report (DSMV 400) and mailing it to:
NH Dept. of Safety
DMV – FR / Accidents
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
The driver, not the vehicle owner, is responsible for completing an Operator’s Report if the police didn’t respond. This rule applies even if the person driving your car at the time wasn’t the insured owner.
Filing this report helps document the crash, especially when you need to request the report later or support an insurance claim.
How do you request the police report after a car accident?
Obtaining a police report in New Hampshire usually involves submitting a Request for Motor Vehicle Records (DSMV 505) to the DMV.
Crash report fees are $1.00 per page with a $5.00 minimum. If you mail your request, you can include a $5.00 check; the DMV will contact you if the total is higher. If someone else needs a copy of the police report, like your car accident attorney or insurance company, you’ll need to call or email the DMV to request permission, since accident reports contain personal information.
What if the police haven’t submitted the report yet?
It can take a few weeks for a law enforcement agency to send the accident report to the DMV. If you need to move forward with insurance claims before the police report is available, you can submit your own Operator’s Report to help document the crash. Once the police report is processed, it becomes part of the official file.
How can a lawyer help if you’re struggling to obtain a police report?
It’s hard to track down the report and deal with the DMV when you’re still in pain and trying to recover. A car accident attorney can help by:
- Requesting the police report
- Identifying the law enforcement agency that responded
- Reviewing the report number, crash details, and responding officers’ notes
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Explaining how the report affects your personal injury claim
Many people reach out to a car accident lawyer in New Hampshire when they can’t get answers from the police department or insurance companies, or when they’re worried about how the report may impact fault for the accident.
Talk to a New Hampshire car accident lawyer today
Getting a police report shouldn’t be one more thing you’re stressed about after a crash. You’re already dealing with pain and the pressure of answering insurance questions while trying to get your life back on track. A car accident attorney at Shaheen & Gordon can help you request the report and guide you through the next steps so you don’t feel like you’re handling this alone.
Many people reach out when insurers start pushing for answers or when they’re worried about how the details in the report might affect their personal injury claim. Our legal team takes the time to understand what you’re going through and gives you clear, honest guidance every step of the way.
Request a free consultation today at (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to understand your options after a car accident.
