Motor Vehicle Collision Reports
If a collision scene requires emergency assistance, call 911. If a collision scene does not require an emergency response, a police response can still be requested by calling the non-emergency line at 253-287-4455. Please keep in mind that every agency has different policies regarding collisions, and depending on the circumstances, officers may not always be able to respond (or respond immediately), and they do not always complete a formal collision report.
In many cases, drivers may choose to handle a collision themselves without police involvement.
State law outlines when a collision must be reported, by whom, and how.
The Washington State Patrol’s (WSP) website contains a section dedicated to collisions, and offers information on how to report collisions, what the applicable laws are, and how to request collision reports or data.
Per the WSP website: Any driver, pedestrian, pedal cycle or property owner involved in a collision within the state – with $1000 or more damage to any one unit and/or injury to any person – must complete a Motor Vehicle Collision Report. However, if a police officer is present and indicates he/she will submit a collision report, then you are not required to submit one.