Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in New York City?

Yes, in most cases, you must report a car accident in New York City. Except for very minor accidents, the law requires you to make a report. Yet even if you’re not legally required to report, making a report may still be in your best interest.

You can use the report to help you with your insurance claim. A car accident lawyer in New York will also need the report to build your case. Here’s what you need to know about reporting car accidents in New York City and why it’s so important.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident in NYC?

In New York City, you are legally obligated to report a car accident in NYC if:

• The accident resulted in injury or death to any person involved.
• The accident caused property damage exceeding $1,000 to any one person’s property.

If your accident meets either of these criteria, you must file a report with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days of the incident. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of your driver’s license until they get the report.

These requirements are in place to ensure proper documentation of accidents and to protect the rights of all parties involved. All drivers in the accident who can make a report must make one,  regardless of fault.

How do I Report a Car Accident to the New York DMV?

Reporting a car accident to the New York DMV is straightforward, but it’s crucial to do it correctly to avoid any legal complications.

To report your accident:

1. Fill out Form MV-104, also known as the “Report of Motor Vehicle Accident.” This form is available on the New York DMV website, at any DMV office, or at the link above.
   
2. Provide accurate and detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and parties involved.
   
3. Submit the completed form to the DMV within ten days of the accident.

This report is separate from any police report that may have been filed at the accident scene. Even if the police were called, you must file this report with the DMV if the accident meets the reporting criteria.

What Information Should I Include in the Accident Report?

The information in the accident report isn’t just for legal purposes. It’s also useful for insurers to review your version of events after an accident. An excellent report protects your interests in case of any future legal proceedings or insurance claims.

Your accident report should include, as best as you know:

1. Driver information, including names, addresses, and insurance details.
   
2. Vehicle information, such as make, model, year, and license plate numbers.
   
3. Accident details, including the date, time, and exact location of the incident.
   
4. A description of the vehicle damage, including how it occurred and any contributing factors.
   
5. Insurance information so that the DMV can notify the right insurers about the accident.
   
6. Injury descriptions of everyone involved.

The second page of Form MV-104 has detailed instructions on how to complete it. Try to be as complete as possible. If you are too injured to complete it before the ten-day deadline, a representative can fill out and sign it.

What if the Police Weren’t Called to the Scene?

Even if the police weren’t called to the scene of your accident, you may still be required to report it to the DMV. If your accident meets the reporting criteria (injury, death, or property damage over $1,000), you must file a report with the DMV regardless of police involvement.

In cases where police weren’t called, gathering as much information as possible at the scene becomes even more important because insurers will not have the police report to cross-check your information.

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This creates additional evidence for your personal injury case.

What Happens If I don’t Report a Reportable Accident?

Failing to report a car accident in New York City that meets the reporting criteria can have serious consequences. If you don’t report a reportable accident:

• Your driver’s license may be suspended for up to one year.
  
• You may face fines and penalties.
  
• It could negatively impact future insurance claims or legal proceedings related to the accident.
  
• You may be charged with a misdemeanor if the failure to report was intentional.

Given these potential consequences, we at Morelli Law Firm always advise our clients to err on the side of caution and report any accident that might meet the criteria.

How Can Reporting an Accident Protect My Rights?

Reporting a car accident is not just a legal obligation; it’s also a crucial step in protecting your rights and interests. Here’s why filing a report can benefit you:

• It creates an official incident record, which can be invaluable in insurance claims or legal proceedings.
  
• It helps establish the timeline of events, which can be crucial if the other party tries to change their story later.
  
• It can support your claim for compensation if you’ve been injured or your property has been damaged.
  
• It fulfills your legal duty, protecting you from penalties for failing to report.

We’ve seen many cases in which a properly filed accident report significantly improved the outcome for our clients.

Contact Morelli Law Firm After a New York City Car Accident

Reporting a car accident in New York City is more than just a legal requirement; it’s a crucial step in protecting your rights and interests. 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New York City, don’t hesitate to contact Morelli Law Firm for a free consultation.