Sketch plan

A sketch plan, sometimes called the rough plan, is a diagram the police prepare. It shows where the vehicles, the road and any obstacles were at the point of impact.

It is produced as part of the police investigation that follows the report you or the other driver must lodge within 24 hours of the accident.^[1] A key, which explains the symbols used, comes with it. Together they are often central evidence for how the collision happened and who was where.

A sketch plan does not decide fault by itself. Insurers and courts rely on it heavily alongside witness accounts and any dashcam footage.

What the sketch plan and key show explains how to obtain and read one. If the other side disputes the plan, an independent lawyer can take your claim on and deal with it.