While you are navigating the roadway, you may feel the impact of another car hitting yours. Being involved in a car accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience, leaving motorists stunned, disoriented, and possibly injured. However, what you do next matters not only for your health and well-being but also for your potential personal injury claim. Victims often underestimate how complex the claims process can be and make mistakes that hinder their ability to recover compensation for their damages. While it may seem enticing to handle the situation on your own to avoid the hassle of a lengthy hold-up waiting for the police to arrive, it’s in your best interest to contact them. Please continue reading to learn when you are legally required to call the police after a car accident in New York and why connecting with a skilled Bronx Car Accident Lawyer is in your best interest.
When Do You Need to Call the Police After a Car Accident in NY?
In most states, there are circumstances in which a driver involved in an accident is legally required to call the police and report the accident. Generally, you are required to call the police if there is a certain amount of damage done to the vehicles involved. However, in New York, there are several instances in which you must call the police after an accident and remain at the scene until they arrive. They are as follows:
- Someone is injured
- Someone was killed
- A domestic animal was injured or killed
- One or more of the vehicles cannot be safely moved
- Public property is damaged
- The driver doesn’t have a license
- The driver appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The driver refuses to exchange infromation or attempts to flee the accident scene
Why is it Important to Contact the Police?
Regardless of the damage, it’s always a good idea to call the police after an accident as having an accident report filed can be beneficial. If you decide to pursue legal action in the future to recover compensation for your damages, a police report can shed light on the facts of the accident, providing critical details that can help establish fault.
In addition, many people neglect to call the police because they believe they are unscathed. However, some injuries are not immediately apparent and have delayed symptoms. If these injuries are left untreated and worsen, failing to contact the police could potentially hurt your case as the defendant may claim you failed to mitigate your damages. Furthermore, if you don’t report the accident to the police, there’s a risk that the other party will provide false information to avoid liability.
If you have been injured in a car accident in New York, please don’t hesitate to contact a trusted lawyer from James Newman, P.C., who can help you figth for the funds you deserve. Connect with our legal team today to learn how we can assist you through these complex times.
