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

The aftermath of a car accident—even a minor one—can be chaotic and confusing. You might be on your way to work or an appointment, and this delay could ruin your day. If the accident wasn’t the serious, you don’t have to report it, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many drivers might be unsure whether they should report their car accident, but not reporting your wreck could come with serious consequences. Although some accidents might be too minor to report, it’s important to stay informed of when you should report and how the reporting process works. An experienced car accident attorney can help.

When to Report a Car Accident

In many cases, it will be necessary to file a report. But, what’s the threshold for reporting an accident, and when do you need to get the police involved? If you were involved in a minor fender bender with no injuries, there’s a chance that you might not need to contact the police at all. You could simply exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Then, they can file a claim with their insurance company and get any repairs handled quickly. But, if your accident meets any of the following criteria, you need to report the accident and, in many cases, contact the police:

• Someone is injured in the accident
• The damages are greater than $1,000
• Someone was killed in the accident
• A parked vehicle is damaged without an owner present
• A domestic animal is injured without an owner present

The Accident Reporting Process  

Although your insurance company will need to know about the accident, that’s not the only report you’ll need to file. In any of the above examples, you’ll need to notify the New York DMV within 10 days, using a Report of a Motor Vehicle Accident form. If you wait longer than 10 days, you could face serious penalties, including license suspension. If you don’t file a report and leave the scene of the accident, you could be arrested for a hit-and-run, further complicating your situation and likely increasing the total cost of the accident. If you’re involved in an accident, remain on the scene and file your claim as soon as possible.

Getting Help After a Car Accident

Car crashes can happen at any time, and even a little fender bender can ruin your day. But, does that accident need to be reported? Maybe you have been hit by another driver and they didn’t give you their information or left the scene immediately. What should you do then? Fortunately, a NYC car accident lawyer from Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP can help with car accident complications. If you’re concerned about the aftermath of your crash, including where to report the accident or how to file for your compensation, our attorneys can guide you through the process. If you’ve been involved in a car crash and aren’t sure what to do next, reach out for help, starting with a free consultation. Call us at 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or visit us online for more information.