If you or a loved one has been in a car accident or had to make an insurance claim in New York, you might be wondering if you need a police report. Police reports are highly valuable pieces of evidence when filing an insurance claim or a personal injury claim, but they may not always be necessary.
To help you make heads or tails of the requirements specific to your situation, the seasoned legal team at Schwartzapfel Lawyers is prepared to walk you through the process of filing a claim. Call us now at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and/or case evaluation. Alternatively, please continue reading.
What Is A Police Report?
A police report is a document created by the NYPD after they respond to an incident, like a car accident. It includes important details about what happened, such as the time, date, location, and the people involved. The report might also contain information about any injuries or damages and whether tickets or arrests were made.
Police sometimes take photos of an accident scene as part of the record. These photos are extremely useful because they’re taken while the evidence is still new. Police report photos are usually the most helpful images for an insurance claim or personal injury case.
Why Is A Police Report Important?
A police report is important for several reasons. It’s the closest thing to an objective, unbiased version of the events. The police don’t have any stake in an insurance battle, so their report is likely to be the most trusted source of information in a claim.
- Proof Of The Incident: It serves as official proof that the incident happened. This can be crucial for your insurance claim, especially if there are disputes about what occurred.
- Details And Accuracy: The report provides detailed information and an objective account of the incident, helping to ensure that your claim is based on accurate facts.
- Legal Protection: In some cases, having a police report can protect you legally. If the other party disputes your version of events, the police report can serve as evidence in your favor.
If you’re uncertain about calling the police after an incident, remember that it can be important for future matters. In point of fact, a police report can prove invaluable in the event that you or a loved one needs to file an insurance claim later on.
Do You Need A Police Report To File An Insurance Claim In NY?
In New York, the need for a police report when filing an insurance claim can depend on several factors, including but not limited to:
Car Accidents
When you’re involved in a car accident in New York, a police report can be very helpful, but it’s not always necessary.
If The Accident Involves Injury Or Significant Damage
If there are injuries or major property damage, it’s a good idea to call the police. They can come to the scene and create a report. Most insurance companies prefer having this report because it provides a clear and official account of what happened.
The police are entirely unbiased. Insurance companies and courts use their professional documents to settle claims quickly and prevent “He said, she said” arguments about what happened.
If The Accident Is Minor
For minor accidents where no one is hurt and the damage is limited, you might not need to call the police. In these cases, exchanging information with the other driver, like names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details, is usually sufficient.
If you feel unsure or if the other driver is uncooperative, it’s a good idea to report the accident to the police.
Filing A Report After the Accident
If you didn’t call the police at the scene but later decide you need a report, you can still file one. You should go to the local police department and request a copy. It’s best to do it as soon as possible after the accident.
Other Types Of Incidents
For incidents other than car accidents, such as theft or property damage, a police report is usually required. Theft and property damage, especially if the damage was intentional, are almost always regarded as crimes.
Theft Or Burglary
If someone steals something from you or breaks into your home, you need to file a police report. This report serves as proof of the crime and helps the insurance company understand what was stolen or damaged. A police report is necessary to prosecute the thief or burglar.
Property Damage
If your property is damaged due to vandalism or another intentional act (i.e., a problematic neighbor slashing your tires), having a police report can strengthen your claim. It helps to show that the damage was not your fault and provides official documentation of the incident.
If the property damage was accidental (i.e., a guest in your home knocking over an expensive vase), a police report is entirely unnecessary.
How To Get A Police Report
If you need a police report, there are several ways to get one.
At The Scene
If the police come to the scene of an accident or incident, they will usually give you a report number. You can use this number to request a copy of the report later. It’s always best to call the police and request a report as soon as an accident occurs.
The police can write the full report after they return to the station, and you will likely not be able to view it until then.
Request A Copy
You can request a copy of the report from the police department that responded to the incident. Most departments allow you to request reports online, by mail, or in person. When you request a copy, you may need to provide information such as the date of the incident, the report number, and your personal details. There might be a fee for obtaining the report.
Getting A Police Report Later
You may not always be able to get a police report after a significant amount of time has passed. The police need to be able to investigate the scene of an accident or the area where an incident took place as soon as possible. When in doubt, call the police. It’s better to have a report and not need one than to need a report and not have one.
How To File An Insurance Claim Without A Police Report
Sometimes, you might need to file an insurance claim without having a police report. The seasoned legal team at Schwartzapfel Lawyers is prepared to help you file a claim, even if you don’t have a police report. Call us now at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation online today.
Provide Other Evidence
If you don’t have a police report, you can still provide other evidence to support your claim. This can include photos of the damage, witness statements, medical records, and repair estimates.
Explain The Situation
When filing the claim, explain why you don’t have a police report. The most common reason for not having a police report is underestimating the damage.
You may have exchanged phone numbers and information with someone else before realizing the severity of property damage or bodily harm. The insurance company can review your claim based on the available evidence.
Stay On Standby With Your Insurance Company
Stay in contact with your insurance company and provide any additional information they request. Insurance companies are notorious for requesting additional information, particularly when the potential payout is substantial. Keeping in touch helps to keep your claim moving forward.
What To Do To Help Your Insurance Claim
A police report is helpful, and any additional information you can provide may only strengthen your case. Moreover, if you have the ability to take certain proactive steps, there are other actions you can take as well.
Seek Medical Help Immediately
Medical records are extremely useful when presented alongside a police report. If you don’t have a police report, a medical evaluation immediately following an accident can serve as strong proof of your injuries.
Call A Skilled Attorney
The skilled attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers know how to get you the compensation and benefits you deserve, and we can help you negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected. Call us at 516-342-2200 now! No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you.
Gather Information
Collect information from the scene, such as names, contact details, insurance information, and witness statements. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene of the accident, the damage caused, and any injuries you may have.
Note: You shouldn’t edit or modify any photos taken at the scene, as raw digital photos contain special data that can prove when and where they were taken. This unaltered data can be important for verifying the authenticity of the evidence in any subsequent claims or investigations.
We’re Here To Help You File An Insurance Claim in New York
A police report can be helpful for recovering financially after car accidents involving injuries or other major damages, and it’s also generally needed for establishing losses related to personal property such as theft or vandalism.
That said, while a police report can serve your insurance claim well, it isn’t always required. Moreover, if you don’t have a police report for a specific claim you’d like to file, you can still do so by providing other evidence and documentation.
The seasoned legal team at Schwartzapfel Lawyers has more than (150) years of combined experience helping clients recover maximum financial compensation for accidents and incidents, regardless of whether a police report factored into the claim submission.
To start your personal recovery today, act now and dial 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and endless peace of mind.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Why You Should Always Call the Police After a Car Accident | HG.org
