A car accident in New York is a stressful and overwhelming experience. Obtaining a car accident police report can be a critical step in reducing some of that stress. It serves as an official record that provides an objective, third-party account of the incident. This unbiased documentation can be valuable, especially in cases where liability is in question.
Police Report Essentials
Law enforcement officers are trained to collect and record information from the crash scene, including the date, time, and location of the accident. The names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of the parties involved will also be gathered. In addition to these basic details, the following points from the police report are often considered to be the most critical:
- Description of the Accident: The description of how the accident occurred creates the foundation of the report. It will include details on the timeline of events, the positions and movements of the vehicles involved, weather and road conditions, and any traffic signs or signals related to the incident. This description will typically include a diagram or sketch of the accident scene.
- Photographs and Videos: The police report can include photographs and videos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. This visual evidence can further capture the details in the accident diagram as well as recording the damage that occurred.
- Statements from Parties Involved: Statements from the drivers involved in the accident provide insight into how they experienced the events leading up to the collision. These statements can be used to support or contest claims made during a lawsuit.
- Witness Statements: Statements from independent witnesses who saw the accident can provide additional information that can help confirm your version of what happened.
- Citations and Violations: Traffic violations or citations issued as a result of the accident can help to establish fault and liability. If the at-fault party received a citation, it can be used as evidence of their negligence.
- Injuries and Damage: The police report documents injuries suffered by the parties involved as well as the extent of damage to the vehicles.
- Vehicle Information: Information about the vehicles involved in the accident will be collected, including their makes and models, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), license plate numbers, and insurance information.
After your accident, it’s advisable to obtain a copy of the police report as soon as you can. In the first 30 days from the date of the report, you can request a copy of the written report at the police precinct where the accident occurred. You can also request a copy of the report online by completing a collision report request on the NYPD website.
After 30 days from the date of the accident report, your request must be made to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV typically keeps car accident reports for four years from the date of the accident. You can search for and download your report from the DMV website.
Why Police Report Details are Important
If you decide to pursue a legal claim for damages from your collision, the police report becomes a vital piece of evidence. It can support your case by providing an impartial account of the accident. The report can also be used to cross-reference witness statements and other evidence. Additional uses for the report are:
Determining Liability
The police report is often used to determine who is at fault for the accident, which impacts insurance claims and potential legal actions.
Insurance Claims
Insurance companies rely heavily on the information in the police report to assess claims. They use the document to determine the scope of damages, injuries, and fault. The comprehensive information in the report can support a smooth claims process.
Resolution of Disputes
When disputes come up over the details of an accident, the police report serves as a formal record of events. This record can help settle disagreements regarding accountability, damage, and injuries.
Documentation of Injuries and Property Damage
The report provides an initial record of injuries and damage sustained in the accident. This documentation is valuable for medical treatment and property damage claims. It can help in determining appropriate compensation.
Verification of Information
The police report can be used to verify the accuracy of information provided by everyone involved. Inconsistent statements can be identified and addressed.
While police report details are very significant when pursuing legal action, you’ll need to consult with a seasoned lawyer with proven results in personal injury accidents.
Your attorney will help you determine which specific details from the police report are most relevant to your particular situation and how to use them effectively in legal proceedings. The police report is just one piece of the puzzle, and a skilled attorney can guide you through the entire process.
