Emergencies and Accident Reporting
Do I need to report a property accident?
Yes. The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to highway fixtures or other property shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of such property. You must provide your name and address and the registration number of the vehicle involved. (NDCC 39-08-08)
What is the dollar amount where accidents need to be reported?
The governing police agency shall immediately be given notice of an accident where the apparent extent of property damage is $1000 (combined or otherwise).. (NDCC 39-08-09)
Am I liable for the emergency care or services rendered at the scene of an accident?
Any person who is an unpaid volunteer, who in good faith, renders emergency care or services at or near the scene of an accident, disaster, or other emergency, or en route to a treatment facility, is not liable to the recipient of the emergency care or services for any damages resulting from the rendering of that care or service. This does not apply to willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of any intoxicated person or other person rendering aid. (NDCC 39-08-04.1)
Whom do I report my accident to?
If in a municipality, contact the local police department. If outside a municipality, then notify the sheriff's office or the nearest State Highway Patrol Office.
What do I have to do if I strike an unattended vehicle?
You must immediately stop and notify the owner of your name, address and your insurance policy carrier. If you cannot locate the owner, then you shall leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle, the above information and the circumstances of the collision (NDCC 39-08-07).
How do I get a copy of an accident report?
You can contact the driver license division. You must then fill out an application and pay a fee of $2 for the front copy of the accident report or $7 for both sides.
What should I do if I come across a traffic accident?
There are many factors to consider before deciding what to do, but generally speaking there are only a few critical responses to an accident. First, make sure you protect yourself from other traffic or traffic hazards in the area that may have caused the accident in the first place. Do not obstruct traffic more than necessary. Next, if the scene is safe, obtain all the information you can and call 911. Be sure to provide the location of the accident. Then, if it is safe to do so, render any kind of aid that you can to the injured.
Finally, remain on the scene until help arrives. Remember that you can be a great asset to the investigating officers, if you inform them of what you know about the accident.
Is there a law against road rage?
Though there is no actual law prohibiting road rage, this type of behavior exhibited by such drivers could fall under a number of categories ranging from simple traffic violations to misdemeanors and felonies. The charges that may apply depend upon the circumstances.
What can I do to avoid becoming a victim of road rage?
By driving defensively and in a non-aggressive courteous fashion one can avoid most conflicts associated with road rage. If, by some circumstance, one was to become the victim of road rage an emergency assistance call to 911, will bring help.
Is there a number I can call to report an emergency, traffic hazard, break down, or traffic violation?
911 will place you in contact with emergency officicals, they will refer you to the appropriate agency.