Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in New York City?

Helping Car Accident Victims Across All Five NYC Boroughs

A car accident can turn your day upside down in seconds. Amid the confusion, many drivers wonder: “Do I need to file a police report after a car accident in New York City?”
In most cases, yes – filing a report is essential to protect your rights, establish liability, and comply with New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 605.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our experienced New York City car accident lawyers help victims across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island file reports, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation.

How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report in New York?

Under NY Vehicle & Traffic Law § 605, you must file a motor vehicle accident report within 10 days if the crash involves:

• Injury or death
• Property damage exceeding $1,000
• An accident where police did not respond

If officers arrive, they’ll prepare an official NYPD Collision Report (Form MV-104A).
If not, you must file your own report within 10 days:

• Online via the NYPD Collision Portal, or
• In person at a local precinct, and
• Separately with the DMV using Form MV-104

Failing to file on time can result in license suspension and fines.

When Are You Required to Call the Police After a Car Accident?

You must notify the police immediately if:

• Anyone is injured or killed
• A pet or domestic animal is harmed
• Property or a parked vehicle is damaged, and the owner isn’t present
• Damage appears to exceed $1,000
• The crash involves a government or commercial vehicle
• You plan to file an insurance or injury claim

Even minor fender-benders should be reported – insurance companies often deny claims without an official NYPD report.

Why Filing a Police Report Quickly Matters

I think it’s a bit of a delay in your case. Filing promptly helps:

• Create a timestamped, impartial record
• Strengthen your insurance and injury claim
• Preserve evidence and witness statements
• Prevent false blame or disputes later

What’s Included in a NYC Car Accident Police Report

A New York police accident report typically includes:

• Date, time, and exact location of the crash
• Weather and road conditions
• Driver, vehicle, and insurance information
• Descriptions of injuries and property damage
• Witness names and statements
• Officer’s observations and citations

This document becomes key evidence in both insurance and legal claims.

Even If You’re Not Required to File – Do It Anyway

Filing a report still helps you:

• Catch hidden injuries or damage
• Avoid disputes or denials
• Speed up claim processing
• Preserve evidence if you decide to pursue a lawsuit later

When you have any doubt, please file.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Crash

• Admitting fault or apologizing
• Guessing about speeds or distances
• Failing to photograph the scene and injuries
• Downplaying pain or symptoms – adrenaline can hide severe trauma

Do You Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim?

Not technically – but having one dramatically improves your case.
It documents what happened, who was involved, and any visible injuries or violations.

If an uninsured driver hits you, you must report the crash to the police within 24 hours to preserve your uninsured motorist (UM) benefits.

Can You Still File a Claim Without a Police Report?

Yes – your NYC car accident attorney can build your case using:

• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Photos, videos, or traffic cam footage
• Expert accident reconstruction
• Officer testimony or citations

While the report itself is hearsay at trial, the officer’s firsthand testimony is admissible and persuasive.

Potential Compensation in a NYC Car Accident Claim

• Medical bills and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP

• Local Harlem office for personalized service
• No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
• Bilingual services for Spanish-speaking clients
• Hundreds of five-star reviews from NYC accident victims
• Award-winning lawyers (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, etc.)
• We handle the insurance companies – you focus on recovery

Call 1-800-VICTIM-2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free case review.
We have convenient locations in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.

How Our NYC Car Accident Lawyers Help You

• File your police and DMV reports correctly
• Investigate and document your crash
• Manage all insurer communications
• Negotiate for maximum compensation
• Take your case to court if insurers act unfairly

Serving All Five Boroughs – and Beyond

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP proudly represents car accident victims throughout:

Manhattan | Brooklyn | Queens | The Bronx | Staten Island

Our deep knowledge of NYPD procedures, DMV filings, and NYC insurance laws ensures your case gets the attention it deserves.

Contact a New York City Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash anywhere in NYC, act fast.
Filing a timely police report and securing experienced legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery.

Call 1-800-VICTIM-2 (1-800-842-8462) or
Submit our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win – that’s our Fee Guarantee.