Car accidents can be stressful, and understanding when and how to report them in New York is crucial. Whether you were in a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, knowing the legal requirements and processes for filing an accident report can help protect your rights and ensure compliance with state laws.
New York law requires drivers involved in car accidents to report the incident under specific circumstances.
According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, you must report an accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if it resulted in:
If you fail to file a report within this timeframe, your driver’s license may be suspended until you comply.
In New York, you must report an accident to the police immediately if:
If an officer responds to the scene, they will complete a Police Accident Report, which is automatically filed with the DMV. However, if police do not respond, you may still need to file a report with the DMV to meet legal obligations.
If the accident only resulted in minor damage and no injuries, you may not be legally required to report it to the police.
However, it’s still advisable to do so, as an official report can be useful for:
Even if the damage is minor and no injuries are involved, filing a police report can still offer valuable protection and ensure you have proper documentation for insurance claims or potential disputes down the line.
Failure to report an accident in New York can result in:
Failing to report an accident in New York can lead to serious legal, financial, and insurance-related consequences, making it crucial to report any accident promptly to avoid these penalties.
If a police officer responded to your accident, you can request a copy of the report by:
Reports are typically available within 14 to 30 days after the incident.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible, your total compensation would be reduced by 30%.
The statute of limitations are as follows:
Failing to file a claim within these time limits may result in losing your right to compensation.
If you were injured in an accident in Utica or Syracuse, and need legal help, contact our New York personal injury lawyers at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to schedule a free case review today.
Passalacqua & Associates, LLC
7 Hopper St,
Utica, NY 13501
Open 24/7
(315) 500-6425
Passalacqua & Associates, LLC
499 S Warren St #220,
Syracuse, NY 13202
Open 24/7
(315) 500-6425
Passalacqua & Associates, LLC provides legal representation for individuals facing personal injuries and criminal charges. Our attorneys offer compassionate guidance and aggressive strategies, and we’re committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. We’ll protect your rights and navigate legal complexities on your behalf.
Passalacqua & Associates, LLC proudly serves clients in Utica, Syracuse, and the surrounding upstate New York communities. We are dedicated to providing accessible and effective legal services to those in need of experienced personal injury and criminal defense representation within these regions.