When the cops are called to the scene of a car accident, they fill out a police report. If you want to make an insurance claim or pursue damages in a lawsuit, you will want a copy of this report. A car accident lawyer in Queens can tell you how to get one.
When Do I Have to Call the Cops to a Car Accident Scene?
You are required to call the police to an accident scene if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- A domestic animal is harmed
- There is significant property damage
- A parked vehicle has been damaged and its owner is not present
We recommend calling the cops even if the accident does not seem serious though. A police report is useful whether you plan to move ahead with a personal injury lawsuit or you just need to make a claim through your own insurance. Additionally, the criteria outlined above might be met even if you do not think that they are. Damage that looks insignificant could actually require a major repair. An occupant of a vehicle involved in the crash might only realize that they are injured later on. This is why it’s a good idea to just get a police report filled out even when a crash seems minor.
How Do I Get My Police Report?
If you get into a car accident in NYC, the NYPD can get you a copy of your police report. You can request it online, by mail, or by going to the precinct in person. If your crash occurred in other areas of New York State, you may have to go through the DMV. When police reports are filed, crash reports are generated that can be requested via mail or online. There are just small fees to pay and forms to fill out, like the MV-198C Request for Copy of Crash/Accident Report.
What Does a Police Report Say?
A police report contains just about anything that you would need to know about the accident. It should mention:
- The location of the crash
- The names of any drivers involved in the crash
- Insurance info for the drivers
- Details about the vehicles involved in the crash
- Whether anyone was injured or sought medical attention
- A diagram of how the crash occurred
- A brief narrative description of the crash
- The speed of each vehicle at the time of the crash
- The names of any pedestrians or cyclists injured in the crash
Will a Police Report Blame a Driver for the Crash?
If you were hoping that the police report could be the smoking gun in a personal injury lawsuit, you should know that you usually need more evidence than that. A report can mention if a driver involved in the crash was cited for traffic violations or any crimes, but your lawyer can also help you gather more evidence that can be used to show that this driver was at fault for your crash and injuries.
Talk to an Attorney Today
When you’re ready to learn more about your legal options, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos. We can schedule a no-obligation case consultation.
