How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Police Report in Brooklyn?

You have 10 days after a car accident to file a police report in Brooklyn. You must report the accident if anyone involved in it is hurt or killed, property damage exceeds $1,000, or law enforcement does not respond. When in doubt about how to deal with the aftermath of an auto crash, request legal help. 

A car accident lawyer in Brooklyn can guide you through the process of submitting a report to the police. Along with this, your attorney can help you file an auto insurance claim. They can also request damages on your behalf via a personal injury lawsuit.

How do You Submit a Report to the Police in Brooklyn?

Call 911 to report your auto accident as soon as it happens. This will bring police officers to the accident scene. These officers will collect information from you and others involved and use it to craft a report. 

If you choose not to dial 911, you still have the option to report an accident within days of it. Do so by visiting a local New York Police Department (NYPD) precinct in person. Or submit your report via the NYPD Online Reporting Service. 

Those who have concerns about how long you have to file a police report after a car accident should consult with a lawyer. With your attorney’s help, you can submit your report promptly. Plus, you can use this report as evidence in an injury lawsuit against any parties liable for your accident. 

How Much Time does it Take to Submit a Report to the Police in Brooklyn?

The time it takes to submit a report to the police varies. You should consider the information you provide carefully and how it will help you prove you are not liable for your accident. Information you can share with police officers as they prepare your report can include:

• The date, time, and location of your accident
• Your name and the names of others involved
• Description of what happened that led to the incident
• Photos, videos, and other evidence from the accident scene

As you discuss an accident with the police, do not take accountability for the incident. What you say can be used against you and, unfortunately, hurt your chances of getting compensation for your accident-related losses. Your attorney can provide additional details as to why you should not admit fault in a car accident. 

What Will Happen After I File a Car Accident Police Report in Brooklyn?

Police officers will investigate, gather information, and prepare their report. You can request a copy of this report, which will include relevant details about your accident. The report should be available within 30 days of your auto accident. 

Get your report by visiting an NYPD precinct and sharing details about your accident. If you go in person, bring your ID with you. Alternatively, you can request your report online or through the mail. 

Your lawyer will explain if your police report will go to your insurance automatically. Generally, you will have to request your report and submit it to your insurer on your own. Your attorney can help you complete this step of the insurance claims process. 

What Will Happen If I Choose Not to File a Police Report in Brooklyn?

If your car accident falls within the criteria in which it must be reported to the police and you choose not to do so, you can face legal ramifications. You could receive a fine or jail time. In addition, the other driver could sue you for damages. 

In a situation where you do not report an auto accident in which no one is hurt or killed or there is little to no property damage, you could still encounter legal problems. For example, the other driver can claim you left the accident scene without reporting the incident. They can say they are the victim of a hit and run, which could result in civil and criminal penalties.  

Instead of leaving anything to chance following your accident, report the incident. Having police officers arrive at the scene to assist you, and others will ensure you can receive an accident report in the immediate future.

From here, you can take advantage of NYPD’s resources and services and request a copy of your police report soon after your car accident in Brooklyn.  

Our Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers Want You to Seek Justice and Damages

A police report can make a world of difference as you try to recover compensation after a car accident in Brooklyn. If your insurer company has this report, it becomes difficult for the business to dispute your claim. Meanwhile, your report can help you prove you deserve economic and non-economic damages as part of an injury lawsuit against a liable motorist.

Morelli Law Firm has recovered over $1 billion in damages for our clients. Give us the opportunity to represent you in your car accident case, and we will help you hold any at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today to get started.