A common concern for New York motorists is whether it’s necessary to call the police after a car accident. It’s important to understand that certain types of collisions legally must be reported to law enforcement. However, even if a collision doesn’t involve injuries or extensive property damage, obtaining a police report can be advantageous if you decide to pursue legal action against the responsible party for your damages. If the police are not notified, it could have negative consequences for the claims process. Please continue reading to learn why you have to call the police after a car accident in New York and why connecting with a skilled New York City Car Accident Attorney is in your best interest.
When Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident?
In most states, you are legally required to contact the police if a certain amount of damage is done to the vehicles involved in the crash. However, in New York, there are numerous occasions in which you must call the police after being involved in a collision. Motorists are legally required to call the police after an accident that results in injury or death. It’s important to understand that failing to report an accident to law enforcement can result in significant penalties against the drivers involved. The following include some of the scenarios in which you must call the police after an accident in New York:
- Someone is injured or killed
- A domestic pet is injured or killed
- One or more of the vehicles cannot be safely moved
- The other motorist appears to be intoxicated
- The other motorist doesn’t have a driver’s license
- The other motorist won’t exchange information or attempt to flee the scene
- A parked vehicle was damaged and you cannot locate the owner
- The accident caused public property damage
Why Should I Regardless of the Damage?
While you may not be required to call the police if you are involved in a car accident, it’s smart to do so on several levels. By contacting emergency services, the police will be dispatched and you can request medical assistance. In the event of a serious injury, the police can provide basic medical care until the EMTs arrive. Having the police on the scene is crucial for initiating the medical treatment process and mitigating your damages.
Additionally, in the event accident, the police will block off the area, ensuring that the scene is clear of traffic while they conduct their investigation. This will create a safe environment to speak to the police about the incident. It’s crucial to preserve evidence from the accident scene. The police will create an official report which will shed light on the facts of the accident. A police report is extremely important as it will assess the cause of the accident and the damage done in the collision. This type of documentation can help establish fault.
If you have been involved in a car accident in New York, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a dedicated attorney from the legal team at Swerling Law, who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to heal. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.
