Writing a report of a road accident to police is the most important part to have road accident claims from the
court. I’ve seen families lose lakhs in compensation because of one small mistake in their police complaint. One
wrong time entry? Claim rejected. Missing vehicle number? Case falls apart.
Writing road accident report is the most crucial part to have compensation either from the insurance company or
from the owner of the offending vehicle because here the petitioner/complainant would have to prove their own
case first according to the law of evidence then the insurance company would contest according to the law and
what power has been given by the law to defend the claim of the complaint/petitioner and writing a complaint to
the police station is the most important for that.
Learn how to report a road accident to police in India. Follow 3 critical steps for FIR filing,
documents needed, and compensation claims. Quick action saves your case.
Reporting Road Accident to Police
3 Essential Steps:
- Go to jurisdictional police station (or use Zero FIR)
- Write exact time and date matching hospital records
- Note vehicle registration number
Timeline: Report within 24 hours. Call 100/112 immediately.
What is Road Accident Safety?
Road accident safety is more than just following the rules; it is about returning home safely to your family every day. Simple driving behaviors, such as wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and adhering to speed limits, can save lives. When drivers, pedestrians, and the government all accept responsibility jointly, accidents are greatly reduced.
What are the Causes of Road Accidents?
Most accidents do not “happen”; actually, they are the result of our choices. The leading cause of death is Over speed. That extra 20 km/h could make the difference between stopping and crashing. Drunk driving delays your reflexes, and even a one-second delay can be dangerous. Mobile phones cause you to drive 50 meters blindly. Would you drive with your eyes closed?
Other main causes are ignoring traffic rules: poor road conditions, vehicle issues such as defective brakes, inclement weather, overloading, and reckless driving. What bothers me the most is that every one of them is avoidable.
How Many People Die in Road Accidents in India?
According to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) data 2023-24, approximately 1.5 to 1.7 lakh people die in road accidents every year. That’s 400-450 people daily – one person every 3-4 minutes. About 5 lakh people get seriously injured annually. Two-wheeler riders suffer the highest casualties, and most accidents happen between 6 PM to 9 PM when we’re heading home.
How to Control Road Accidents?
Want to reduce accidents? Everyone must step up today, not tomorrow. Government needs better roads, speed cameras, and heavy penalties. Drivers must wear seat belts every time (yes, even for that “short” trip), never drink and drive, service vehicles regularly, and follow speed limits. People who are walking should use crossings and stay alert. When all of us work together, accidents drop.
How Long After an Accident Should it be Reported?
Report immediately. Don’t think “I’ll do it tomorrow.” For serious accidents with injuries? Dial 100 or 112 right now from the accident spot, For minor accidents. Still report within 24-48 hours. Why? Evidence remains fresh, witnesses remember clearly, medical reports match your timeline, and insurance claims become easier. I’ve seen cases where people reported after 3-4 days, and insurance companies said “We suspect fraud” – claim rejected, lakhs lost. Don’t let this happen to you.
How to Report a Road Accident to the Police?
This is where your entire case is built or destroyed. To write a road accident report to the police you would have
to be careful about three points:
Know Which Police Station:
The most important point is where the accident happened? Under which police station jurisdiction the accident happened? You would have to complain to that Police Station. If accident happened in Salt Lake Sector 5, go to Sector 5 Police Station only. Though ‘0’ Zero FIR theory has been adapted by the new law that has been enacted in 2023 as BNSS. The Central Government and the Hon’ble Supreme Court have taken steps to implement that but till this time it is not fully active. Zero FIR means you can file FIR for road accident at any station, but it’s safer to go to the correct one directly.
Write Exact Time and Date
You would have to correctly mention the time of the accident and date of the accident. It is the most important point you have to be very careful while you are writing a complaint. Real example: A man wrote accident time as 5:00 PM. But hospital records showed 4:45 PM admission. Insurance company asked, “How did victim reach hospital BEFORE the accident?” Claim denied. Family lost everything.
If it is seen later that the injured/deceased has reached Hospital before the time you have mentioned in the complaint about the accident, the petitioner here complainant would face huge problem to receive compensation or proving their case. Check your phone, ask witnesses, note the time immediately. When writing your police complaint road accident, cross-check hospital admission time. Never guess – be 100% accurate.
Note Vehicle Registration Number
If it is possible to mention the registration number of the offending vehicle it would really help you later to prove your case before the Hon’ble Court. With the vehicle number, police can track the owner, get insurance details, and make your road accident compensation claim bulletproof. Try noting the complete number like WB 06 AE 1234. Even partial numbers help! Can’t remember? Ask witnesses, check if anyone shot videos, or tell police about nearby CCTV cameras.
What Else to Write?
Not only that, you would have to write in a short note how the accident happened. According to proper accident report format, include: exact location with landmarks, how the accident occurred, road and weather conditions, witness names and phone numbers, injury details, any traffic violations noticed, and photos if available. Write clearly and honestly, courts will investigate.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Make a Claim?
For MACT (Motor Accident Claims Tribunal): You have 3 years from accident date under Motor Vehicles
Act. After 3 years, your right expires.
For Insurance Claims: Inform within 24-48 hours, submit documents within 7-15 days. Different companies
have different deadlines – check your policy.
Documents needed: FIR copy, medical bills and reports, death certificate (if applicable), vehicle RC and DL,
insurance papers, witness statements, photographs. Keep everything safe one lost document delays your claim
by months. Don’t think you have “3 years so I’ll relax.” Start immediately. The sooner you file, the stronger your case.
FAQs
Q: Can I file FIR at any police station?
A: Yes, through Zero FIR under BNSS 2023, but the system is still being implemented. Better to go to the jurisdictional station directly.
Q: What if I report late?
A: Late reporting weakens your case. Insurance companies will question the delay and may reject claims.
Q: Is vehicle number mandatory?
A: Not mandatory but highly recommended. Without it, tracking the owner becomes very difficult.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for police complaint?
A: No, police will help you write it. But for court proceedings and MACT claims later, hire an experienced motor accident lawyer.
Related Topics You Should Know
- Understanding Motor Vehicles Act 2023
- How to Choose Motor Accident Lawyer
- MACT Court Procedures Explained
- Insurance Claim Settlement Process
- Hit and Run Accident Compensation
- What Is a 3rd Party Road Accident Claim?
Final Words
These are some important points. If you follow while writing a complaint to the police station about a road
accident you will be successful.
Remember:
- Report immediately to police for FIR for road accident
- Go to correct police station
- Write accurate time and date in your police complaint road accident
- Note vehicle number for successful road accident compensation
- Collect all evidence and document
Your police complaint is the foundation of your case. One mistake here, and everything collapses. Take your
time. Write carefully. Be accurate.
Need help with your accident case? Consult an experienced motor accident lawyer today. Don’t let insurance
companies take advantage of your situation.
And most importantly? Drive safe. Follow rules. Stay alert. The best accident report is the one you never
have to write. Your family is waiting for you at home.
