Alabama requires those who have been in an accident where there is more than $250 worth of property damage to fill out a SR-13, Safety Responsibility Accident Report. It contains information on the accident and your insurance coverages which AL law mandates that you turn in so they can have on file if there are issues arising from the incident.

According to the information and instructions listed on the form itself, completion of the SR-13 form is required by section 32-7-1 of the Code of Alabama. Completion of this form is required ONLY if a motor vehicle accident occurring in Alabama caused death, personal injury, or property damage to any one owner in excess of $250.

The driver and/or owner are responsible for filing and mailing the SR-13 to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). Sometimes your insurance company will assist you in filling out the form, but it is the driver and/or owner’s responsibility to ensure that the SR-13 is filed and received by DPS.

You must fill out both sides of the form with as much information as you have available. Any information not provided at the time of the accident about the incident will probably be available on the Alabama Uniform Traffic Accident Report (also known as a Crash Report).

The AL DPS has a fact sheet about the SR-13 that lists more information that may help you understand why this form must be filed and how to file it. Here it gives information on your situation where the question is asked:

"Today is the 30th day and I need to mail my SR-13 today. I do not have the total dollar amount for my medical expenses because I have not received all the bills and/or treatment is still on-going. What should I do?"

The Answer given is that the driver should still mail in the SR-13 leaving the injury claim section blank. You have up to 22 months from the date of the accident to file a claim. The Department of Public Safety can mail you a claim form at a later date if you request it.

So you can leave that section of the form blank it appears from this information. If you prefer to write in that medical bills are still being received in I'm sure the DPS would accept that as an answer as well and lets them know that there are medical expenses that have been incurred by your daughter from this accident.

Some people wonder why if you were not at fault why the SR-13 must be filled out. The AL DPS notes that it is in your best interest to file the SR-13 because the at-fault driver may turn out to be uninsured. DPS can suspend the at-fault party’s license until compensation is received by you or your insurance company from the uninsured. DPS can only take this action if an SR-13 has been properly filled out and filed with the department.

It normally takes between 30-45 days for DPS to process the SR-13. If they do not receive the SR-13 and your insurance information is required, we will mail you a notice requesting your insurance information. You have 30 days to return this information before your license will be suspended.

Contact the Alabama DPS directly for more information regarding how to fill out or send in the SR-13 Safety Responsibility Accident Report.