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

You have up to 10 days after a car accident to file a police report in New York. It is best to call the police at the accident scene. Minutes later, police officers will arrive at the scene, assist you and others involved, collect information, and prepare their report.

Following your crash, let a car accident lawyer in New York help you submit and retrieve a police report. You can submit your report to your insurer, which may help you collect damages for your accident–related losses. If you file an injury lawsuit, your report could prove a liable party is responsible for the incident. 

How Long does it Take to File a Car Accident Police Report in NY?

Generally, a police report takes minutes to file. Meet with the police at the accident scene and take the time you need to tell them about your accident, and they will use this information in your report. If you report the incident online or in person to the police in the days after it happens, the time it takes to do so depends on the information you submit and other factors. 

If you are concerned about how long you have to file a police report after a car accident, request legal help. Talk to a lawyer within days of your accident. They can walk you through the process of submitting your report before the window in which you are allowed to do so expires. 

Share concerns and questions about filing a car accident police report with your attorney. Ultimately, your lawyer prioritizes your best interests. They will help you share relevant information with police officers so they can craft a report that accurately details your accident. 

Do You Have to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in New York?

You are legally required to report an auto crash if there is property damage exceeding $1,000, anyone was hurt or injured, or police officers do not respond to it. If your accident meets any of these criteria and you choose not to report it, you will be punished. You can be fined, face jail time, and incur other penalties. 

Also, consider what will happen if you are not liable for an auto accident and decide not to file a report. In this situation, the liable motorist could report the incident to the police days later and blame you for it. Or your insurance provider can use the fact that you did not notify the police as grounds for contesting your claim. 

Another factor to note relates to whether a police report will go to your insurance automatically. If you do not file a report with the police and collect it once it is available, your insurance provider will not know about it. Thus, your insurance company could dispute your claim. 

How do You File a Police Report Following a Car Crash in New York?

Work with a car accident lawyer to learn how to file a police report in New York City and other Big Apple cities and towns. Ideally, you call 911 at the scene of your auto accident, which will allow you to report the incident to the police immediately. If not, you can submit a report to the police after your accident.

Visit a local precinct to report your accident to the police. Police officers may ask you questions, and you can submit documentation relating to your accident. If you have photos, videos, and other evidence from an accident scene, you can share your proof with the police. 

If you prefer, submit your report online. Do so via the New York Police Department (NYPD) Online Reporting Service. As you file your report via the NYPD Online Reporting Service, be thorough and allow your attorney to help you provide any required documentation.  

Why Should You File a Police Report Following an Auto Accident in NY?

Err on the side of caution by submitting a police report. You will not have to pay anything to file a report, and the information police officers include in it can help you prove liability for your accident. Plus, your report provides valuable evidence you can use in an injury lawsuit against a liable party. 

Without a police report, it can be exceedingly difficult to dispute a case against you. For instance, a motorist slams their car into yours and says you are at fault for the accident. A police report can help you disprove this motorist’s argument. 

Your police report can make or break an injury lawsuit. You could sue a liable motorist for pain and suffering and other losses relating to your auto accident. With a police report in hand, you could compel a judge or jury to award maximum damages. 

Our New York Car Accident Lawyers Deliver Exceptional Case Results

You panic as you deal with the aftermath of an auto accident. If you did not call the police at the time of the incident, you can still file a police report after a car accident in New York. A lawyer can help you with this and other legal matters relating to your accident. 

Morelli Law Firm has more than four decades of legal experience on our team. Speak with our lawyers about your car accident, and we will work diligently to achieve your desired case results. Contact us to get started.