How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After a Car Accident?

In New York, you generally have ten days to file a police report after a car accident. However, it’s always best to file the report as soon as possible after the incident. Filing a police report after an accident is legally required in many cases.

It’s not just a legal duty. It’s also an important part of your insurance claim. A police report verifies that you’ve been in an accident, which makes the claims process much smoother. Police reports provide a neutral third-party depiction of what happened in your crash.

If you have questions about your filing deadline or what to tell the police, contact our Albany car accident lawyers for a free consultation about your situation.

New York’s Requirements for Filing Police Reports After a Car Accident

In New York, the law requires you to file a police report for any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. You have up to ten days to file the police report before you face penalties for failing to file.

For minor accidents without injuries or significant damage, you may not be legally required to file a police report. However, it’s still advisable to file a police report after a car accident for your protection and to have an official record of the incident. It will help you with your insurance claim.

Failing to report an accident when required can lead to serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential criminal charges. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and file a report, even if you’re unsure about the extent of damages or injuries.

How Police Reports Help With Car Accident Claims

A police report offers an unbiased account of the accident, including details about the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s observations. This documentation can significantly strengthen your case if you need to seek compensation for damages or injuries.

As time passes, memories fade, and physical evidence at the scene may disappear. Prompt reporting helps preserve the integrity of the information and supports your claim’s credibility. Wait too long, and the insurance company will have reason to believe your injuries may be due to another reason.

Without a police report, the insurance company only has your word that you were in an accident with their policyholder. It’s unlikely they’ll trust you and may deny your claim outright or take much longer to investigate what happened to verify your account.

What if You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the deadline for filing a police report, you should still file one as soon as possible. If you fail to report, your license may be suspended until you file the report. You may also face other penalties depending on what happened in your accident.

Late reporting can complicate your insurance claim and weaken your legal position. Insurance companies may question the delay, which could affect your ability to recover compensation fully.

If you’ve missed the deadline, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is your next step. Despite the delay, they can advise you on the best course of action and how to prove your case to the insurance company.

Filing a Police Report in Other States Morelli Law Practices in

Our primary office is in New York, but our firm also works in other states. Here are their requirements for filing a police report.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, you must report an accident immediately if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. You should call the police at the scene, and they will file the report. If police don’t come to the scene, you must file a report with the nearest police department within ten days.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law requires you to notify the police immediately after an accident involving injury, death, or vehicle damage that prevents safe operation. If police don’t come to the scene, you must file a report within five days if the accident resulted in injury, death, or severe vehicle damage.

Illinois

In Illinois, you should report a car accident to the police immediately if it involves injury, death, or property damage over $1,500 (or $500 if any vehicle is uninsured). If the police don’t come to the scene, you must file a report with the Illinois Department of Transportation within ten days.

Missouri

Missouri requires you to report a car accident to the police immediately if it involves injury, death, an uninsured driver, or property damage exceeding $500. If police don’t respond to the scene, you must file a report with the Missouri Department of Revenue within five days.

Get Help After Filing a Police Report After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you believe you’ve suffered damages, always call the police to file a police report. Then, contact Morelli Law Firm today for a free consultation and case review. We’ll help you get the most from your claim.