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The Minnesota Accident Report form is a critical document for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident within the state. This form must be completed by drivers in crashes that result in property damage of $1,000 or more, or in cases of injury or death. Timely submission is essential; the form must be sent to Driver and Vehicle Services within ten days of the incident. Failing to comply can lead to misdemeanor charges under Minnesota law. The report captures vital details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and addresses of all parties involved. It also requires information about vehicle damages, insurance coverage, and any injuries sustained. Additionally, the form includes sections for describing the accident's circumstances, such as weather conditions and traffic control devices present at the scene. By gathering this data, the report aims to enhance road safety and inform future traffic regulations. Understanding the importance of this form can significantly impact the outcomes for all parties involved in an accident.

Key takeaways

  • Mandatory Submission: If the accident involves $1,000 or more in property damage, injury, or death, the form must be completed and submitted to Driver and Vehicle Services within 10 days.
  • Legal Consequences: Failing to submit the report is considered a misdemeanor under Minnesota law, specifically Minnesota Statute 169.09, subdivision 7.
  • Accurate Information: Ensure all details, including the names, addresses, and insurance information of all parties involved, are filled out correctly to avoid complications.
  • Diagram and Description: Provide a clear description of the accident and a diagram indicating the positions of the vehicles and any other relevant details.
  • Weather and Road Conditions: Report the weather conditions and the state of the road surface at the time of the accident, as this information can be crucial for analysis.
  • Insurance Details: Include complete liability insurance information; if omitted, it may be assumed that insurance was not held.
  • Injury Codes: Use the provided codes to accurately describe any injuries sustained by occupants, ensuring that the right codes are applied to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Police Involvement: Indicate whether a police officer was present at the scene and provide details about the department involved, if applicable.
  • Submission Address: Mail the completed report to DVS / Accident Records at the specified address in St. Paul, MN.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: Only accidents resulting in injury require a report.
  • In Minnesota, a report is mandatory for any accident involving $1,000 or more in property damage, regardless of injuries.

  • Misconception 2: The form must be submitted immediately after the accident.
  • Drivers have up to 10 days to complete and submit the Minnesota Accident Report form to Driver and Vehicle Services.

  • Misconception 3: You can submit the report online without filling out the form.
  • While an electronic version of the report is available, it still needs to be filled out completely and submitted as required.

  • Misconception 4: Only the driver involved in the accident needs to fill out the report.
  • All parties involved in the accident are encouraged to complete a report to ensure accurate information is recorded.

  • Misconception 5: The report can be used as evidence in court.
  • The information provided in the report is confidential and cannot be used against you in civil or criminal matters.

  • Misconception 6: You don’t need to report minor accidents.
  • Even minor accidents that meet the $1,000 property damage threshold must be reported.

  • Misconception 7: The report is only for insurance purposes.
  • The report also helps authorities gather data to improve road safety and prevent future accidents.

  • Misconception 8: You can submit the report to any local police station.
  • The report must be mailed directly to the specified address for Driver and Vehicle Services in St. Paul, MN.

  • Misconception 9: Completing the report is optional if no one was injured.
  • Filing the report is a legal requirement regardless of injuries, as long as the damage threshold is met.

  • Misconception 10: The report will automatically determine fault.
  • The Minnesota Accident Report does not assign fault; it simply documents the facts of the accident for further review.