When must you report a car accident to the Montana Department of Justice?

The requirement to report a car accident to the Montana Department of Justice arises when there are injuries or damages exceeding a specified financial threshold. The correct choice indicates that a report must be made if the total amount of damage to property or medical expenses exceeds $1,000. This guideline ensures that serious incidents are documented and that all parties can be held accountable if needed.

In Montana, reporting accidents above this financial threshold helps maintain accurate records of roadway incidents and provides a framework for legal and insurance processes surrounding car accidents. Choosing a lower damage threshold, like $500, would not align with Montana's legal standards, as the state determines $1,000 as the minimum before a report is mandatory. Reporting only when injuries occur or when the police are called doesn't cover all scenarios, as property damage alone can also trigger the reporting requirement. Thus, the specific threshold of $1,000 is crucial for understanding when an accident needs to be reported.