Crash
(Accident) Reports and Hit & Run Investigation
The 'investigation'
of most traffic crashes is limited to the documentation of the crash by the reporting
officer. The crash report filled out is generally done for you to document and
record with your insurance company. In cases of crashes invollving serious bodily
injury or fatalities, or instances where a driver had fled the scene (Hit &
Run), then an investigator is assigned to the case where a simple crash has now
become a criminal investigation.
Generally speaking, standard crashes are
recorded one of two ways:
Long Form Crash Investigation The
South Bend Police Department will respond to, investigate and document on the
"Long Form" State Crash Report all traffic crashes brought to their attention
which involve: - Bodily
injury or the death of any person.
- Leaving
the scene of a traffic crash or that involves driving under the influence.
- Hazardous
material incidents, involving the actual/suspected release of toxic substances
into the environment, or other unusual conditions that pose a significant threat
to public safety.
- Vehicle
crashes involving city owned vehicles.
- Damage
to vehicles/property owned by components of government. Such investigations will
only be undertaken at the direction of command or supervisory personnel.
- Crashes
that result from the commission of a criminal offense (robbery, auto theft, etc.)
or from any pursuit.
Short
Form Crash Investigation
The South Bend Police Department will respond
to, investigate and document on a "Short Form" City Name Exchange Crash Report
traffic crashes which do not include any of the criteria specified under the "Long
Form" section but which do involve:
- Damage
to any vehicle or other property in an apparent amount of under $1000.
- Removal
of a vehicle from traffic by towing.
- Serious,
potentially violent arguments, disturbances or confrontations involving principals
or other persons present at the scene. (If such altercations involve the commission
of a criminal offense, enforcement action/preparation of "Offense/Incident/Arrest"
reports may also be required.)
- Major
traffic congestion brought about by the crash, if one or more of the conditions
specified in the Long Form Section or the Short Form Section applies.
- During
times of severe inclement weather, if vehicles involved are both drivable from
scene and no injuries are reported.
Driver's
Report Obligation of a Traffic Crash If
you are involved in a minor traffic crash in where: - There
are no deaths or injuries,
- All
parties remained at the scene of the crash
- Alcohol/drugs
are not involved
- Damage
is less than $1000 per vehicle and
- Involved
vehicles can be driven from the scene, then:
-
Drivers should exchange license, registration and insurance information
- Then
obtain a copy of a "Driver's Report of Traffic Crash" form from any law enforcement
agency (known as state form SR-21)
Instructions
for completing the report are on the back of the form. One copy of the completed
report should be given to your insurance company. Another copy must be mailed
to the State Police within 10 days of the date of the crash, or your license can
be suspended as pursuant to state law. |