13. Do I need a police or crash report to qualify?

You don’t need to have a police or crash report in hand to qualify for assistance. Many victims reach out before they’ve had a chance to obtain any documentation, especially if the accident just happened or they’re unsure which agency responded. National Victims Assistance Services is designed to help you from the very beginning, even if all you have is the date, location, and a basic description of what happened. An advocate can guide you through the process of identifying the correct police department and obtaining the report at no cost.

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That said, the crash report eventually becomes an important part of the process. It’s often required for insurance claims, compensation programs, and verifying the details of the incident. If you don’t have it yet, the organization will help you track it down, explain what information is needed, and make sure you receive the correct document. So while the report is useful—and in some cases necessary for later steps—it’s not a barrier to getting help. You can reach out right away, and the team will walk you through everything from there.