Most NY automobile accidents initially do not appear to be severe. In a simple “fender bender” that causes seemingly minimal damage to vehicles and no evident injuries, your initial instinct may be to not report the accident to the police or an insurance carrier. Perhaps the responsible driver may suggest, “Lets deal with this ourselves…” or “There’s no need to get insurance involved…”
You may not be legally required to report the car accident, but there are a number of reasons why it is always a good idea to report a NY car accident you’ve been involved in – and there may be significant repercussions if you fail to do so.
Why Report a NY Car Accident If It Seems Minor?
There are a number of important things you should do following a car accident. One of those important things to do is report the accident to the appropriate parties and authorities. Here are just a few of the reasons why it’s important to report a car accident even if it may seem unnecessary to do so at the time:
1. Your Car Insurance Provider Likely Requires It
You should consider reading your automobile insurance policy. (If nothing else, it will help you sleep!) It is more likely than not that your policy contains language requiring you to promptly report any accidents or injuries. Your auto insurance carrier certainly has the right to promptly investigate an accident, and cannot do so if they are not promptly notified.
2. If You Don’t Report the Accident, Insurance May Not Cover You Should You Ultimately Make a Claim
Your policy probably also provides that if you fail to promptly advise your carrier about an accident, your car insurance provider has the right to disclaim coverage. That means that if your injuries do not manifest until weeks or months later (as is often the case with “soft tissue injuries” or disc injuries), you may lose your right to obtain coverage for your injuries or lost wages.
3. You May Discover Serious Injuries Later
Additionally, even if there don’t seem to be any serious injuries at the time of the accident, serious injuries that can be attributed to the accident may become evident later, after some time has passed. If the accident that left you or a loved one injured was caused by the negligence of someone else and you ultimately choose to pursue a personal injury claim, not reporting the accident can come back to haunt you.
Reporting a NY Car Accident
Even if a car accident seems minor and you are tempted to refrain from reporting it, you may want to think again. Though it’s not required by law that you report an accident when it happens, not reporting a car accident in NY can be incredibly detrimental, especially if you discover serious injuries and want to pursue compensation after the fact.
If you have been involved in a car accident, first and foremost, take care of any injuries that you or a passenger may have sustained. Next, immediately contact your insurance broker to place them on notice of the accident.
Have questions about how to report a NY car accident, or concerns about what to do after you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault? If so, contact the award-winning personal injury attorneys at Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto today!
Our team of attorneys is experienced in handling car accident cases. We’ve achieved impressive case results for previous clients and would love the opportunity to assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve following a car accident.
Find out why so many individuals in Albany, Saugerties, Johnstown and beyond have turned to the experts at Maynard O’Connor for assistance after car accidents.
Give us a call today at (800) 721-3553 or contact us online to schedule your FREE case review and consultation. We can help walk you through the process and ensure that you take the proper steps to preserve your legal rights following your involvement in a NY car accident.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer to Represent You After You’ve Been Injured in a NY Car Accident – If a car accident left you injured and you believe it was caused in whole or in part by the negligence of another individual, it is in your best interest to work with a personal injury attorney as you pursue compensation. Don’t risk it by going it alone. Find out why!
What to Do At The Scene of An Accident & In The Weeks & Months Afterwards – There are a handful of important steps to take to ensure that your rights are protected after you’ve been involved in a car accident. Find out what to do immediately and to follow up after a car crash in NY.
Pursuing Compensation From Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers – Some drivers won’t have enough insurance to compensate you for damages after an accident, while other drivers aren’t insured at all. Find out how SUM insurance coverage can protect you.
Editor’s Note: This content was originally published in 2014 but has been updated as of October 2018
