You’ve been rear-ended in DC traffic, shaken but okay—then you call 911 and hear the unexpected: “No officer will respond unless there are injuries.” Now what?
At Johnnie Bond Law, we understand how confusing and frustrating this can be. In Washington, DC, police often don’t respond to minor crashes, leaving you to figure things out on your own. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to do next—from gathering evidence to dealing with insurance—so you can stay protected and take control, even without a police report.
Immediate Actions at the Scene: Safety and Legal Basics
The scene right after a crash can feel chaotic. Even without police presence, what you do in those first few moments really matters.
Prioritize Safety First
Start by checking on yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. If someone is hurt, call 911 right away—no hesitation. Don’t wait to see if an officer will show up. Medical help always comes first.
If everyone’s okay and your car is drivable, turn on your hazard lights and safely move your vehicle out of traffic. This helps prevent another accident from happening on top of the one you’re already dealing with.
Know When Police Must Be Involved
Even if the dispatcher says officers won’t come, the law sometimes says otherwise. In DC, the police must be contacted—and generally must respond—if:
- Someone was hurt or killed
- A car can’t be safely moved from the scene
- A pet or animal was injured, and the owner isn’t present
- Property was damaged (like a parked car or fence), and the owner isn’t around
If you’re not sure, call 911 and explain what happened. Let the dispatcher decide. It’s better to ask than to assume.
Information Exchange: The Foundation of Your Record
With no officer writing things down, you’ll need to collect all the important details yourself. Be polite, but thorough.
Essential Driver & Vehicle Details
Here’s what you’ll want from the other driver(s):
- Full names and addresses
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers and states
- Insurance company names and policy numbers (snap a pic of their insurance card if possible)
- Car details (make, model, year, color)
- License plate numbers and states
- Vehicle registration info
This is your backup plan when the police don’t document anything for you.
Identify and Engage Witnesses
If someone saw the crash happen, ask for their name and contact information. A short conversation now can make a big difference later.
Ask what they saw—just a quick version—and see if they’d be open to sharing more details later if needed.
Building your case starts here. At Johnnie Bond Law, we approach this like teamwork. You gathering this info helps us help you.
Document the Scene Meticulously: Your Visual and Written Record
No police report means it’s your job to create a clear picture of what happened. This isn’t just for insurance—this could be key in any legal discussion that comes up.
Why This is Critical
Police reports often include diagrams, statements, and their interpretation of what happened. Without that, your photos and notes are the only record. This evidence could tip the scales if there’s a question about who’s at fault.
Comprehensive Photos & Videos
Use your phone to snap or record:
- All vehicle damage (from different angles)
- License plates
- The whole accident scene (street signs, intersections, lights)
- Road and weather conditions
- Any skid marks or debris
- Injuries, if you’re okay sharing that
More is better. You can always sort through them later.
Detailed Written Notes
While it’s still fresh, jot down:
- Date, time, and location
- What happened—step by step
- How traffic was moving, what signals were active, and the weather
- What the other driver said (especially things like “I didn’t see you” or “I was texting”)
- Anything else that felt odd—slurred speech, strong smells, visible distractions
Johnnie Bond’s career began with digging into complex details; your notes work the same way. They fill the gap where official records don’t exist.
Fulfilling Your Official Reporting Duty in DC
Even if the police don’t come, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
File the Official DC Accident Report (PD-10)
If someone was hurt or there was property damage over a certain dollar amount, you’re usually required to report the crash using Form PD-10. You can find it on the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) website. In some cases, you can file it online or pick one up at a local station. Make sure to check the current procedure—it can change.
The Importance of Self-Reporting
Filing that report creates an official record. It matters to the insurance company, and it becomes crucial if things get complicated legally. Don’t skip this step. Keep a copy for your records, too.
Notifying Insurance Companies: Proceed with Awareness
This part can get tricky. You want to do the right thing without opening yourself up to more problems.
Report to Your Insurer Promptly
Let your insurance provider know what happened as soon as you can. Just stick to the facts. Give them the info and documentation you collected, and don’t leave anything out. It’s part of your duty under your policy.
Be Cautious with the Other Driver’s Insurer
You might get a call from the other driver’s insurance company. Be careful.
Only give them the basic facts. Don’t guess, apologize, or offer theories. And never agree to a recorded statement unless you’ve talked to a car accident attorney.
Prioritize Your Health: Seek Medical Evaluation
Even if the accident felt minor, your body might have something else to say later.
Don’t Ignore Potential Injuries
Adrenaline is sneaky. It can hide pain for hours or even days. Get checked out anyway. A doctor, urgent care, or ER visit can catch things you might miss, like internal injuries, whiplash, or even concussions.
Link Injuries to the Accident
The sooner you seek medical care, the stronger the connection between the crash and any injuries. That link is crucial if you need to make a claim for medical costs or pain and suffering.
When Legal Support Becomes Critical
Sometimes, you can handle things on your own. But in some cases, legal help makes all the difference—especially if there’s no police report.
Here’s when to seriously think about reaching out to us:
- People disagree on who caused the crash
- You have injuries that aren’t getting better or are expensive to treat
- The other insurance company is dodging responsibility or lowballing you
- You’re buried in paperwork, medical bills, and confusion
We’re not just here to file things—we’re here to help people. That includes you.
Accident in DC, MD, or VA Without a Police Report? Get Focused Legal Support.
A missing police report doesn’t mean you’re out of options. At Johnnie Bond Law, we help clients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia protect their rights and build strong claims—even without official documentation. With years of litigation experience, we focus on your recovery and results. Call us at (202) 683-6803 or visit our Contact Us page for a free, confidential consultation, and let’s take the next step together.