Feeling confused or scared when talking to the police is normal, especially after an accident. Use this checklist to help you stay calm and focused.

**Your goal is to tell the truth simply and clearly.**

**Stay Calm and Safe:** Take a deep breath. Move to a safe place if you can. Your first job is to take care of yourself.

**State the Facts:** Tell the officer what happened in your own words. Do not guess or add details you are not sure about.

**Describe Your Injuries:** Tell the officer exactly where you feel pain. Point to the parts of your body that hurt, even if you think it’s a small injury.

**Point Out Dangers and Witnesses:** Show the officer what caused your injury (like a broken stair, a wet floor, or a pothole). If anyone saw what happened, point them out to the officer.

**Ask for the Report Number:** Before the officer leaves, politely ask for the **police report number** (sometimes called an “incident number”). Write it down on your phone or a piece of paper. This number is the key to getting a copy of the report later.

**Remember Your Rights:** You do **NOT** have to answer questions about your immigration status. The police are there to document the accident. Your right to be safe and report an injury is protected.