Section 52 RTA

Section 52 of the Road Transport Act 1987 is the provision requiring a driver involved in an accident causing injury, death or damage to report it to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within twenty-four hours.

Failing to do so without a lawful excuse is itself an offence, though a late report does not automatically destroy an otherwise valid claim.^[1] This obligation sits at the start of reporting an accident to the police.

Keep a note of the time and reason for any delay, in case the timing is questioned.

The duty falls on the driver involved, though an injured passenger or a witness can also make their own report if the driver does not. If a late report is raised against your claim, an independent lawyer can deal with it.