Car accidents can happen when you least expect it, particularly when navigating the busy city streets of Brooklyn. While you may obey the rules of the road and take every safety precaution when you are behind the wheel, you cannot control certain factors like how other motorists drive, road conditions, and intersections that do not have clearly marked signage. Once the initial shock of the accident subsides, you may have questions about what to do next. One of the first steps you should take is to report the accident to the police so that there is an official report of the accident. It is also highly recommended that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights, ensure that you file the police report within the required amount of time, and recover the maximum damages for your injuries. 

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Police Report?

If you are involved in a car accident in Brooklyn or anywhere in New York, and the crash caused more than $1,000 in property damage, you must file what is called a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident form with the DMV within 10 days of the accident. A police report is not required if the property damage is less than $1,000. However, the level of property damage is not always obvious, so it is recommended that you file a police report, regardless of the extent of the property damage. If you fail to file a police report within the required timeframe, your driver’s license may be suspended. When a car accident causes any injuries or fatalities, police must be notified immediately, and an accident report must be filed with the DMV. Leaving the scene of an accident under these circumstances is a crime that may result in serious penalties.

What Information Is Included in a Police Report?

Police reports contain valuable information about the accident, including when and where the accident occurred. In some cases, it will also identify the at-fault motorists, which can be used as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.

The following are some of the details that are included in a police report:

  • Names and contact information of the motorists involved in the accident, as well as witnesses who saw the accident occur
  • Insurance information of the drivers involved
  • Road and weather conditions at the time of the accident
  • A drawn diagram of how the accident occurred
  • Notes from the officer who arrived at the scene
  • Whether either motorist was charged with a crime

How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Police Report?

If you were involved in a car accident in Brooklyn, there are a number of ways that you can get a copy of a police report, including in-person, by mail, or online. However, the fastest way to secure the report is to go to the police precinct where the accident happened. This is the easiest and least time-consuming option. Once you have a copy of the report, you can submit the report to the DMV. If you suffered a serious injury and you are unable to file a police report because you are in the hospital or recovering from the injury, a friend or family member can file the police report on your behalf. 

What Type of Police Report Should I Request?

There are three types of reports that you can request, depending on the circumstances. They include the following:

  • Verification of Incident: This is the type of report you would request if criminal activity was involved. For example, if you suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, or the at-fault driver fled the scene of the accident, you may request this report.
  • Aided Records: You would request this report if you suffered an injury that was not caused by a car accident. For example, if you suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident, and police were called to the scene, you may request an Aided Records document.
  • Motor Vehicle Collision Report: This is the type of report you will need to request after a car accident where injuries and property damage were involved.

What Other Evidence Do I Need for My Car Accident Case?

A police report is an important piece of evidence, particularly if the officer specified in the report that the other motorist was responsible for causing the accident. However, in addition to the police report, the following are examples of additional information that can be extremely beneficial to your case:

  • Copies of medical records: Make sure that you keep copies of all medical records from the hospital where you were treated for your injuries, follow-up appointments, surgeries, prescription medications, and any other costs associated with your injuries.
  • Photos from the scene of the accident: Keep copies of any photos you took from the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, road conditions, skid marks or debris on the road, and any other photos that may help your case.
  • Witness statements: If there were other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians who saw the accident happen, they may be able to provide valuable information about the events leading up to the crash, and who was responsible for causing the accident. Ask those individuals if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
  • Obtain footage from surveillance cameras. If there is footage available from a traffic camera or video surveillance from a business or private home that captured the accident, find out if you are able to secure a copy of the footage. Your car accident lawyer can assist you with this process.
  • Documentation: Make sure that you keep copies of all estimates, receipts, and out-of-pocket expenses associated with your injuries and property damage.

Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Assist and Represent Victims of Car Accidents

If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, and you have questions about the claims process, including how to file a police report, do not hesitate to contact the Brooklyn car accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki today. We will assist you every step of the way, ensuring that your legal rights are protected and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will also continue to fight for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 718-522-1020 or fill out our online contact form. Our office is located in Brooklyn, New York, where we serve clients throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.