Minnesota Accident Report Template

Guidelines on Filling in Minnesota Accident Report

When involved in a vehicle accident in Minnesota that results in property damage of $1,000 or more, injury, or death, it's necessary to complete the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident Report form. This documentation is crucial for building safer roads and infrastructure by providing vital data to the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The law mandates that this form be submitted within 10 days of the accident, and failing to do so can lead to misdemeanor charges. It's important to fill out this form accurately to ensure all details about the crash are correctly reported. The information you provide will contribute to traffic safety research and may also be used in legal or insurance matters, although it cannot be used against you in civil or criminal proceedings. Here is a step-by-step guide to completing this form.

1. Accident Information: Start by filling out the basic details of the accident including the date, time (AM/PM), number of vehicles involved, and the accident's location. Indicate whether the accident occurred in the city, township (TWP), or county.
2. Location Details: Mark whether the incident occurred at an intersection, not at an intersection, or in a parking lot. Specify the exact location using the provided fields for street names or road numbers, and include distance and direction if applicable.
3. Driver Information: Provide the complete name, address, and contact information of the driver involved in the accident. Include driver’s license number, class, state of issuance, date of birth, and sex.
4. Vehicle and Owner Details: Enter the vehicle's make, model, year, color, license plate number, state of issue, and estimate the cost of repairs. Also, include the full name and address of the vehicle’s owner if different from the driver.
5. Insurance Information: It's crucial to provide accurate insurance details, including the insurance company name, policy number, and the policy period. Omitting this information might lead to an assumption of no insurance coverage.
6. Accident Description: Check the appropriate box that describes the accident type, such as collision with another motor vehicle, fixed object, or non-collision incident. Also, specify if the crash occurred in a work zone, the speed limit, weather conditions, road surface, and light conditions.
7. Traffic Control and Collision Details: Indicate the type of traffic control device present and the manner of collision according to the details given. If applicable, include information about any work zone, weather, road surface, and light conditions.
8. Vehicle Actions/Maneuvers Prior to Accident: Mark actions or maneuvers taken by the vehicle(s) involved just before the accident. Be accurate in detailing the direction of travel or any specific movements.
9. Police and Report Details: State whether a police officer was at the scene and fill in the police department's name if applicable.
10. Involvement and Injury Information: For each person in the vehicle, provide details about their position in the car, use of safety equipment, and if any injuries were sustained.
11. Description and Diagram of Accident: Use the space provided to accurately describe the accident and draw a diagram to represent how the incident occurred. Indicate the compass direction (North, South, etc.) with an arrow.
12. Damage to Property: If applicable, list any non-vehicle property damaged in the accident, the owner's name, and the estimated cost of repair.
13. Signature and Submission: Sign the report to verify that the information provided is accurate and submit it to the DVS Accident Records at the address provided on the form. Remember, the signature of the person submitting the report is required.

Filling out the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident Report form with attention to detail and accuracy is essential for road safety analytics and legal compliance. Prompt submission of this completed document ensures that necessary measures can be taken to investigate and, where possible, prevent future incidents.

Who needs to fill out the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident Report form?

Any driver involved in a crash resulting in either $1,000 or more in property damage, personal injury, or death must complete the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident Report form.

Where can I find the Minnesota Accident Report form?

The form is available online at www.mndriveinfo.org or you can obtain a physical copy from the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) or local police stations.

What is the deadline to submit the Minnesota Accident Report form?

The form must be submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Services within 10 days from the date of the accident.

What happens if I don't submit the form on time?

Failing to submit the form within the 10-day period is considered a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169.09, subdivision 7. This could potentially lead to legal penalties.

Can the information I provide in the report be used against me?

No, the information collected on this form is used for statistical data regarding traffic accidents. Your personal account of the accident is kept confidential and cannot be used against you in any civil or criminal proceedings.

What should I do if there were more than two vehicles involved in the accident?

If the accident involved more than two vehicles, you should fill in section “C” on a separate form for each additional vehicle and attach it to your original report.

Do I need to report an accident that occurred in a parking lot?

Yes, if the accident meets the criteria of involving $1,000 or more in property damage, injury, or death, it must be reported, regardless of whether it occurred on a public street or in a parking lot.

What information will I need to complete the report?

You will need detailed information about the accident, including but not limited to:

• Exact location and time of the accident
• Names, addresses, and insurance details of the drivers involved
• Description of the accident and vehicles involved
• Estimates of property damage

Is it mandatory to draw a diagram of the accident?

While the form provides space for a diagram, it's highly recommended to include one as it helps in understanding the dynamics of the accident. However, if you're unable to draw a diagram, providing a detailed written description is essential.

Where do I send my completed Minnesota Accident Report form?

After completing the form, mail it to the DVS/Accident Records at the address provided:
DVS / Accident Records
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 181
St. Paul, MN 55101-5181.

When filling out the Minnesota Accident Report form, individuals often encounter complexities, leading to mistakes that can affect the accuracy and completeness of the report. Recognizing and avoiding these common errors can significantly improve the quality of the information provided to Driver and Vehicle Services. Here are six common mistakes:

1. Not reporting within the required timeframe: The form must be submitted within 10 days following an accident if it involves $1,000 or more in property damage, or if there is injury or death. Delaying submission can lead to legal consequences under Minnesota Statute 169.09, subdivision 7.

2. Omitting details about the accident's location: It's crucial to specify whether the crash occurred at an intersection or not and to provide exact street names or road numbers. Accurate location data is essential for analysis aimed at making roads safer.

3. Failing to provide complete insurance information: If the insurance company name (not agency) or policy number is left blank, it may be assumed that the vehicle was uninsured. This might complicate issues related to coverage and liabilities.

4. Inaccurate or incomplete descriptions of the accident: Individuals must describe the accident in detail, including how it happened. This description is vital for understanding the circumstances that led to the accident and for determining responsibility.

5. Incorrectly identifying the type of accident: The form requires selecting the type of collision from a given list. Choosing the wrong type can misrepresent the nature of the accident and affect subsequent analyses and investigations.

6. Leaving the driver and passenger section incomplete: Every individual in the vehicle needs to be listed, along with their seat positions and any injuries sustained. Missing or incorrect information here might lead to inaccurate records of the accident's impact on those involved.

To ensure the accuracy and completeness of the Minnesota Accident Report form, individuals should carefully review each section, provide precise details as required, and comply with the submission deadline. Taking these steps helps facilitate a thorough evaluation of the accident and contributes to the statewide efforts in building safer roads.

When an individual is involved in a motor vehicle accident in Minnesota, promptly completing and submitting the Minnesota Accident Report form is key. However, to fully document the incident and its aftermath, several other forms and documents might be necessary. These additional documents help in ensuring that all aspects of the accident, from damage assessment to insurance claims, are thoroughly addressed.

• Insurance Claim Form: This form is submitted to your insurance company to initiate a claim. It details the accident and requests compensation for damages or injuries.
• Medical Records Release Form: After an accident, this form authorizes healthcare providers to release your medical records to insurers or attorneys, proving injury and treatment.
• Vehicle Damage Estimate: Obtained from a mechanic or auto body shop, this document provides an estimate of the repair costs for vehicles damaged in the accident.
• Witness Statement Form: Witnesses to the accident can provide statements on this form, documenting their account of the incident, which can be crucial for insurance claims or legal actions.
• Police Report Request Form: If the police investigated the accident, this form is used to request a copy of their report, providing an official account of the incident.
• Photographs of the Accident Scene and Damages: Visual evidence of the accident scene and damages to vehicles or property, supporting claims and reports.
• Personal Injury Log: A document where the injured party keeps detailed records of their injuries, treatment, and recovery progress.
• Release of Liability Form: This form, signed by the parties involved, releases each other from future claims related to the accident once a settlement is reached.

In navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, being prepared with the correct forms and documents can significantly streamline the process of recovery and compensation. Equipping yourself with these essential documents not only aids in the immediate response following an accident but also assists in the meticulous documentation needed for any subsequent legal or insurance procedures.

• The California Traffic Accident Report shares similarities with the Minnesota Accident Report form in that both require detailed information about the accident, including the date, location, and how the accident occurred. They also collect data on the vehicles involved, such as make, model, and year, along with driver information, including name, address, and insurance details.

• The Florida Traffic Crash Report is similar because it also mandates that drivers involved in accidents resulting in a certain amount of property damage, injury, or death must file a report. This form, like Minnesota’s, requests comprehensive details about the accident conditions, including weather, road conditions, and the sequence of events leading to the collision.

• New York Motor Vehicle Accident Report requires the completion by individuals involved in accidents with significant damage or injuries, akin to the Minnesota form. Both documents make it necessary to outline specifics about the accident scene and demand insurance information, driver and vehicle details, and an account of damages and injuries.

• The Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report is paralleled with the Minnesota report in that it is designed to collect extensive data on motor vehicle accidents for safety and statistical analysis. Each form includes sections on the timing and environment of the crash, participant information, and a narrative description of the accident.

• Illinois Motorist Report is reconcilable with Minnesota's requirement that drivers report accidents exceeding a certain damage threshold. Both seek information on the accident location, involved parties, insurance status, and vehicle damage, along with a schematic diagram or narrative of the accident.

• The Ohio Traffic Crash Report demands thorough documentation similar to Minnesota's, including data about the crash circumstances, participants, vehicle information, and detailed reporting of any injuries or fatalities. It too serves a dual purpose of legal record and data collection for traffic safety.

• Washington State Motor Vehicle Collision Report aligns with Minnesota’s form as it compels drivers involved in significant accidents to provide detailed accounts of the incident. These include descriptions of the collision, information on the drivers and vehicles involved, and details on the accident’s context like weather and road conditions.

When you're filling out the Minnesota Accident Report form, there are important steps to follow to ensure your report is complete and accurately reflects the incident. Here are four things you should do and four things you shouldn't do:

• Provide detailed information: Be as specific as possible when describing the accident. Include all relevant details such as how the accident occurred, the speed you were traveling, weather conditions, and any other contributing factors.
• Check for accuracy: Before submitting the report, review all the information you've entered to make sure it's correct. A small mistake could have significant implications.
• Include insurance information: It's critical to provide full liability insurance information. If you don't, it may be assumed that you were not insured at the time of the accident.
• Sign the report: Your signature is required at the bottom of the form. By signing, you confirm that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

• Leave sections blank: If a section of the report doesn't apply to your specific accident, rather than leaving it blank, it's better to indicate that it's not applicable. This shows that you didn't simply overlook a part of the form.
• Guess or estimate: When providing details about the accident, avoid making guesses or estimates. If you're unsure about specific information, such as the exact speed you were traveling, note that it's an approximation or find out the accurate information before submitting.
• Ignore diagrams and additional information sections: The space provided to diagram the accident and the section for additional information can be incredibly useful for explaining what happened. Don't ignore these sections; use them to your advantage to provide a clear picture of the incident.
• Forget to report within 10 days: According to Minnesota law, you must submit this report within 10 days of the accident if there was $1,000 or more in property damage, or if the accident resulted in injury or death. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor.

There are several misconceptions about the Minnesota Accident Report form that individuals involved in vehicle accidents often encounter. Understanding these can help in accurately completing the form and ensuring compliance with Minnesota law.

• Misconception 1: The report is optional for minor accidents. In reality, any crash involving $1,000 or more in property damage, or any injury or death, requires the completion and submission of this form within 10 days.

• Misconception 2: Only the driver at fault needs to complete the form. However, every driver involved in such an accident must complete and submit a report, regardless of fault.

• Misconception 3: Insurance information is not mandatory. Failing to provide full liability insurance information may lead to the presumption of not having insurance, which can carry legal consequences.

• Misconception 4: Personal injury lawyers can use this report in court. The report is protected under the data privacy act, meaning the information cannot be used as evidence in civil or criminal matters, and all narratives or depictions of the accident are confidential.

• Misconception 5: Police must be at the scene to complete the report. Whether or not police were present or a police report was made, drivers must still fill out and submit the Minnesota Accident Report form if the damage or injuries meet the criteria.

• Misconception 6: All sections must be filled out by both involved parties. Each driver only fills out information pertaining to themselves, their vehicle, and their insurance, not the information of the other involved parties.

• Misconception 7: The form is only for automobile accidents. The form is required for all motor vehicle accidents, including cars, pickups, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, trucks, etc.

• Misconception 8: Submission is only by mail. While mailing is a primary method, electronic submission options are available, enhancing convenience.

• Misconception 9: Estimation of damages is unnecessary or can be guessed. An accurate estimate of the cost to repair damages to the vehicle is required; guesswork can lead to under or overestimation, affecting claims and records.

Clearing up these misconceptions can facilitate a more straightforward and accurate reporting process for individuals involved in vehicle accidents in Minnesota. Ensuring the correct completion of the Minnesota Accident Report form is crucial for compliance with state laws and for the proper handling of traffic accidents from a legal standpoint.

• Every driver involved in a crash resulting in either $1,000 or more in property damage, or in any injury or death, must fill out the Minnesota Accident Report form and send it to the Driver and Vehicle Services within 10 days. Not doing so is considered a misdemeanor under Minnesota law.
• Accurate and thorough completion of the form is crucial as it provides essential information used to enhance road safety. This includes the location and time of the accident, the vehicles involved, descriptions of the accident itself, and any injuries or damages incurred.
• It's imperative to provide full liability insurance information on the form. Failure to do so may lead to the assumption that the involved driver did not have proper insurance coverage at the time of the accident.
• Information supplied on the Minnesota Accident Report form is collected under authority of the Minnesota Data Privacy Act and is used to compile statistical data on traffic accidents. While the details like the time and place of the accident, names of parties involved, and insurance information may be disclosed as per law, the written report itself cannot be used as evidence in a court of law against the person submitting it.