Report the Incident

If you get seriously hurt, one of the most important things you can do—after making sure you’re okay—is to report what happened. It doesn’t matter if the injury happened in a car crash, at work, in a store, or because of someone else’s actions. Reporting the incident creates a record. That record can protect you if someone tries to say it wasn’t a big deal or that it never happened at all.

This article walks you through why reporting matters, how to do it, who to report to, and what to avoid. If you need help later—like from a lawyer or through a lawsuit—this step will make everything easier.

Why Reporting the Incident Matters So Much

It Starts a Paper Trail

Reporting the incident means there’s written proof that something happened. This is important for insurance claims, medical bills, legal cases, and even civil rights complaints.

If there’s no report, insurance companies or lawyers might try to say you're making it up, or that your injury came from somewhere else.

It Helps You Remember Later

Serious injuries are overwhelming. In the moment, you might not think clearly. If you wait too long, you might forget details or mix things up. Reporting right away helps you get it down while it’s still fresh.

It Protects Your Legal Rights

If you ever need to take legal action, having a report makes your case stronger. It shows the event really happened and when it happened.

When Should You Report the Incident?

Right away. As soon as you’re safe and able to speak, you should report the incident. If you wait too long, people might doubt your story, and evidence could disappear.

But if you didn’t report it right away, don’t give up. It’s still better to report it late than never. A lawyer can help explain why the delay happened.

Who You Should Report To

1. Car Accidents – Report to the Police

If you were in a crash, always call the police—even if it seems minor. The officer will come to the scene and write a report. This report includes:

• What happened

• Who was involved

• Weather and road conditions

• Any injuries or damage

Get the name and badge number of the officer. Ask how to get a copy of the report.

2. Workplace Injuries – Report to Your Boss or HR

Tell your supervisor or human resources about the injury as soon as possible. Some jobs require reports to be filed right away. If you wait, they might try to say the injury happened somewhere else.

Also ask if you need to fill out a workplace incident form. Keep a copy for yourself.

3. Slip and Falls – Report to the Property Owner or Manager

If you slip and fall in a store, restaurant, or building, find someone in charge and tell them what happened. Ask them to:

• Write an incident report

• Give you a copy

• Note your name, the time, and what caused the fall

If they refuse to make a report, write one yourself and email it to them to create a record.

4. Dog Bites – Report to Animal Control or Police

Dog bites can cause serious injuries and infections. It’s also important to know if the dog has had its shots. Call animal control or the police to report the bite. Give details like:

• Where it happened

• What the dog looked like

• Who owns it, if you know

This helps protect others too.

5. Public Space Injuries – Report to the City or Town

If you’re hurt in a park, on a broken sidewalk, or in another public place, call your town hall or local government office. Ask who handles injury reports and how to file one.

How to File the Report

Stick to the Facts

Don’t guess. If you don’t know something, just say that. Be honest and clear. Include:

• Date and time

• Exact location

• What you were doing

• What went wrong

• What hurt you (wet floor, broken step, car crash, etc.)

• How you felt afterward

Don’t Blame Yourself

Sometimes people say things like “It was probably my fault” just to be polite. Don’t do that. Stick to what happened. Let the people in charge sort it out later.

Be Polite, But Firm

If someone doesn’t want to take your report seriously, stay calm. Ask politely, “Can we please make a written record of this?” If they still refuse, write your own version and send it to them in an email or letter.

What to Do After You Report

Ask for a Copy

Always ask for a copy of any report that’s written about your injury. If they won’t give you one, ask for the report number and instructions on how to request it later.

Write Your Own Notes

Write down what happened in your own words as soon as possible. Include:

• What you saw

• What you heard

• Who was nearby

• How your body felt (dizzy, sore, confused, etc.)

This can help you remember details that might not make it into an official report.

Take Photos and Videos

Use your phone to take pictures of:

• The scene of the injury

• Any damage (like to your car, shoes, clothing)

• What caused it (spilled drink, broken railing, cracked sidewalk)

• Your injuries (bruises, swelling, cuts, etc.)

Photos can back up your story and show how bad things really were.

Get Witness Info

If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number. Witnesses can help prove what really happened—especially if someone else tries to change the story later.

Be Careful What You Say

You might be tempted to say, “I’m fine,” especially if you’re embarrassed. But don’t say anything that downplays the injury. If you are hurting—even a little—say so. Some injuries get worse over time.

Also, don’t post about the injury on social media. Insurance companies and lawyers may look at your posts and use them against you.

What If You’re in Shock or Confused?

It’s normal to feel shaken up after a serious injury. If you forget to report it right away, you can still file a report later. Just explain that you weren’t feeling well or were focused on getting medical help. Most people will understand.

Why a Lawyer Cares About the Report

If you decide to hire a serious injury lawyer, one of the first things they’ll ask for is a copy of the report. It helps them:

• Prove that something happened

• Show who was involved

• Learn when and where it happened

• Build a strong case

If you don’t have a report, it’s harder to win your case or get fair money for your pain, bills, or lost work.

What If There’s a Civil Rights Violation?

If your injury happened during a police stop, protest, arrest, or while in custody, you may need to report it to:

• The police department’s internal affairs

• A civil rights agency

• A lawyer who handles civil rights and injury cases

These reports are especially important. They help hold people and systems accountable for wrongdoing.

What If You Don’t Want to Make Trouble?

Many people don’t report injuries because they don’t want to get someone in trouble. But reporting doesn’t mean you’re blaming someone. It just means you’re protecting your health and rights.

Also, when you report a problem—like a broken step or aggressive dog—you might help stop it from hurting someone else.

If Someone Tries to Talk You Out of It

Sometimes people will say things like:

• “Let’s just forget it.”

• “Don’t worry, it’s nothing.”

• “We don’t need to involve anyone.”

Don’t listen. If you got hurt, you have the right to report it. People who care about safety won’t stop you. If they do, it’s a red flag—and even more reason to make a report.

Following Up Later

If you don’t hear back about the report, follow up. Call or email and ask:

• Was the report filed?

• Who has it now?

• Can I have a copy?

Keep a record of who you talked to and what they said.

Final Thoughts

Reporting an incident may feel small, but it can make a huge difference in how things turn out. It’s one of the first things you should do after getting hurt. It helps protect you, builds proof, and keeps others honest.

So if something goes wrong and you’re injured—don’t stay quiet. Don’t wait too long. Report the incident and take care of yourself, one step at a time.