Hawaii Drivers Permit Practice Test

What is required after an accident involving personal injury or substantial damage?

1. Exchange insurance information only

2. Contact your insurance company

3. File a police report

4. Notify witnesses of the incident

The correct answer is: File a police report

After an accident that results in personal injury or substantial damage, filing a police report is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including Hawaii. This documentation is crucial because it provides an official account of the incident, which can be important for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and determining fault. The police report includes details such as the time and location of the accident, the vehicles involved, witness statements, and any citations issued. Having this record helps create a clear and objective overview of what transpired. While exchanging insurance information and contacting your insurance company are important actions to take after any accident, they do not replace the need for a police report, especially when there's injury or significant damage. Notifying witnesses is also a good practice to gather information but doesn’t fulfill any legal obligations associated with reporting the accident. Thus, filing a police report is the essential action required to ensure that everything is documented properly and to facilitate any further processes that may arise from the accident.