After being involved in a car accident in Suffolk County, you may find yourself confused about what steps to take next. One of the most common questions drivers ask is whether they’re legally required to call the police. The answer depends on several factors, but understanding New York’s requirements can help you protect your rights and avoid potential legal problems.
Under New York State law, you are required to report certain types of accidents to the police. Specifically, you must report any accident that results in:
If your accident meets either of these criteria, you must file a police report. In Suffolk County, this typically means calling 911 or the local police department to the scene of the accident, or filing a report at a police station if you’ve already left the scene.
Even if you believe your accident doesn’t meet the legal threshold for mandatory reporting, there are several situations where calling the police is strongly recommended:
Injuries aren’t always immediately apparent after an accident. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. If there’s any possibility that someone was injured, call the police.
If the other driver disputes who was at fault, having an official police report can be invaluable. The responding officer will document the scene, interview witnesses, and create an objective record of what happened.
If you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call the police immediately. This is both a safety issue and a legal matter that requires law enforcement involvement.
If another driver leaves the scene without providing their information, you must report this to the police as soon as possible. Hit and run is a crime in New York, and a police report is essential for any insurance claims or legal action.
Accidents involving commercial trucks, buses, or government vehicles typically require police reports due to the special regulations governing these vehicles.
A police report serves several important purposes after a car accident:
When you call the police after an accident in Suffolk County, here’s what typically happens:
Officers from the local police department or the Suffolk County Police Department will respond to the scene. They will assess whether anyone needs medical attention and call for ambulances if necessary. The officers will then interview all drivers and witnesses, examine the accident scene, take measurements and photographs, and document vehicle damage and road conditions.
After gathering this information, the responding officer will complete an accident report. You’ll typically receive a report number at the scene, and you can obtain a copy of the full report from the police department after a few days.
In some cases, particularly for minor accidents with no injuries and minimal damage on private property, police may not respond to the scene. If this happens, you should still document the accident yourself by taking photographs, exchanging information with the other driver, and filing a report at the police station if required by law.
Whether or not police respond, you should take certain steps to protect yourself:
Failing to report an accident when required by law can result in serious consequences, including fines, points on your license, and potential criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. Additionally, without a police report, you may face difficulties with insurance claims and have limited recourse if the other driver later disputes the facts.
If you left the accident scene without calling the police and later realize you should have reported it, you can still file a report. In New York, you have ten days from the date of the accident to file a motor vehicle accident report (Form MV-104) with the DMV if the accident meets the reporting criteria. However, it’s always better to call the police to the scene when possible.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Suffolk County, navigating the insurance claims process and protecting your legal rights can be overwhelming. At Palermo Law, we have over 30 years of experience helping accident victims throughout Nassau and Suffolk County recover the compensation they deserve.
Our team understands New York’s accident reporting requirements and can help you understand your rights whether or not a police report was filed. We handle all aspects of personal injury claims, from dealing with insurance companies to pursuing litigation when necessary.
Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact Palermo Law today for a free consultation. With 9 convenient office locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk County, we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call Palermo Law now or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to fight for you.