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Careers: Police/law on accident reporting

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Expert: - 7/12/2006


Question
Hi,

I'm writing a novel taking place in Garrett Co., Maryland, and I just wanted to make sure of something... is it federal law that any and all accidents involving motor vehicles be reported to the police?  Regardless of how minor?  What happens if the people involved do not report it?  In my story specifically, the accident involves a driver hitting a pedestrian, but it is minor (the pedestrian is okay and would rather not involve police if possible).  If it had to be reported, would it be the driver's responsibility, or the pedestrian's?  Or both?   Thanks!

Answer
Hi Cassie:

No, there is no federal law on accident reporting when it comes to motor vehicles (privately owned ones, anyway).  Maryland law requires that if there are no injuries, and no vehicles are required to be towed, then the parties exchange information with one another, (Name, phone number, insurance company info at the minimum).  Neither party is required to report an accident, even to the insurance companies, if the above conditions are met (no injuries, no one towed).

Hope that helps!

Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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