Procedures

Accidents can range from little fender benders to more serious collisions, so knowing what to do if you have an accident can relieve some of the stress. Try to move the accident off the road, especially if you're in an area where there's a chance to cause other accidents. Make sure everyone is okay, and if someone is injured, aid them the best you can and call an ambulance.

If everyone is fine, you'll want to exchange information for your insurance companies: name, telephone number, driver's license and insurance policy number.

The phone number for Rhode Island State Police is (401) 444-1000. Call them if you need assistance.

Filing an Accident Report

If someone is injured or the accident caused more than $1,000 of damage, you must report the accident to the DMV within 21 days. You can download the accident report form and send it to the following address:

• RI Division of Motor Vehicles

• Office of Safety Responsibility

• 100 Main Street

• Pawtucket, RI 02680

If you choose not to file, you may be prosecuted or lose your license. Note that the accident report can be pretty extensive, so it might be helpful to take notes and photos at the scene of the accident.

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