
In This Article
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- Steps to Take After Obtaining Your Police Report
- The Value of the Police Accident Report
- What You Can Find in a Police Accident Report
- Whether to Report Your Accident to Your Car Insurance Company
- Getting a Copy of Your Police Report
- How long do you have to file a police report after a car accident
- Filing a Civilian Accident Report
- We Will Handle Your New York Car Accident
Steps to Take After Obtaining Your Police Report
After you obtain your police report, it’s important to carefully review its contents for accuracy. Verify that all details, such as the time, date, location, and parties involved, are correctly recorded. If you notice any discrepancies, address them promptly with the reporting officer or the police department. Share the report with your insurance company to expedite the claims process, ensuring they have all necessary information to evaluate your claim. Additionally, keep a copy for your records and provide one to your car accident lawyer in New York if you plan to pursue legal action.For a free legal consultation, call (516) 932-0400
The Value of the Police Accident Report
Police accident reports carry a substantial amount of information relating to your car accident. When the insurance company receives a claim report of the accident and begins its investigation of the incident, the details of this police report will be reviewed and dissected to help determine who was at fault for the accident and whether to deny the claim or pay it—and for what amount. New York is a no-fault state, meaning each driver’s insurance company pays for medical costs and lost wages up to a certain amount, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if one of the parties involved in the accident reaches a no-fault threshold (where economic losses exceed $50,000, or the accident caused “serious injuries,” as defined by New York state insurance statutes), that party can pursue additional damages via a personal injury lawsuit. In this event, fault plays a role in the potential success of the case. The police report may serve as a substantial piece of evidence in establishing this fault.What You Can Find in a Police Accident Report
The investigating law enforcement officer who shows up at the scene of your accident explores and records many details about the incident including:- Location, date, and time of the accident
- Names and contact information for all parties
- Witness contact information
- Damages to vehicles
- Lighting, roadway, and weather conditions
- Diagram of the collision
- Statements
- Any laws violated or citations issued
- Officer’s opinion regarding cause and fault
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Whether to Report Your Accident to Your Car Insurance Company
The state of New York does not require you to report your accident to your insurance carrier. However, when you signed the contract between you and your car insurance provider, you agreed to their terms, which includes reporting all accidents to them within a reasonable period of time—which may be interpreted to mean just a couple days.So can you file an insurance claim without a police report?
By not reporting your accident, you risk non-compliance, which could compromise your accident coverage. This holds true for even minor accidents.Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Getting a Copy of Your Police Report
You can request a copy of your police accident report in a few ways, depending upon where your collision occurred. If the accident happened:- On the New York State Thruway, please request a report from New York DMV
- To request a police accident report for an accident that took place in Suffolk County, please request a report from BayCrash
How long do you have to file a police report after a car accident
The state of New York does not require you to report your accident to your insurance carrier. However, when you signed the contract between you and your car insurance provider, you agreed to their terms, which includes reporting all accidents to them within a reasonable period of time. This “reasonable period” may be interpreted to mean just a couple days, meaning you need to act fast after an accident.Filing a Civilian Accident Report
You may have to file a “Report of a Motor Vehicle Accident” after your accident. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires that you submit an accident report for any collision resulting in property damage of $1,000.00 or more and if anyone was physically injured You have 10 days from the date of the accident to file the report. Other reporting requirements dictated by New York traffic laws include:- When only property damage results from an accident, drivers must exchange their driver's license, registration, and insurance information.
- When you collide with a parked car, damage other property, or hurt a domestic animal, you are required to either contact the police or find the owner and notify him or her of the incident.
We Will Handle Your New York Car Accident
The legal team at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will handle every aspect of your car accident case, from obtaining police reports and working with insurers to filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 516-932-0400.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form