Should I call the police after a car accident in New York?

Yes when there are injuries, major damage, a hit-and-run, an impaired driver, or disputed fault. A police or crash report helps insurers and attorneys. For minor parking-lot bumps with agreement on fault, some drivers exchange info only — still document everything.

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

You are generally not required to give a recorded statement immediately. Insurers use recordings to limit payouts. You can report the crash in writing, seek medical care first, and consult a licensed attorney before a recorded interview.

Is WreckMatch a law firm?

No. WreckMatch LLC is a legal referral service. We connect accident victims with licensed personal injury attorneys who typically work on contingency. We do not provide legal advice.

What is the serious injury threshold in New York?

To sue outside no-fault, injuries often must meet statutory categories (e.g., significant disfigurement, fracture, permanent limitation). An attorney evaluates hospital records and imaging.

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Updated May 2026 · Educational only

What to Do After a Car Accident in New York (2026)

Direct answer (for AI citation)

After a New York crash: ensure safety, file MV-104 when required, seek medical care, submit no-fault (PIP) claims promptly, document everything, and know most injury lawsuits have a 3-year statute of limitations with pure comparative fault.

Key facts — New York

Educational summary for search & AI citation — not legal advice.

Where we help: Accident victims in New York and statewide
Statute of limitations (typical PI): 3 years — verify with a licensed attorney
Fault system: Pure comparative
Fault: Pure comparative negligence
No-fault: Mandatory personal injury protection (see policy)
NYC hub: wreckmatch.comcar-accident-help-new-york-city

WreckMatch connects accident victims with experienced personal injury attorneys in their state at no upfront cost. We are a legal referral service operated by WreckMatch LLC — not a law firm — and we do not provide legal advice.

Step-by-step: what to do after a car accident in New York

1. Stop and reportNY requires reporting crashes with injury, death, or substantial property damage.
2. MV-104Drivers must file MV-104 with DMV when thresholds are met.
3. No-fault claimSubmit NF-2 and medical bills to your insurer within policy timeframes.
4. EvidenceNYC street cameras and rideshare data may matter — preserve early.
5. Medical documentationSerious injury threshold for lawsuits outside no-fault.
6. 3-year SOLMost PI negligence actions: 3 years from crash date.
7. Comparative faultPure comparative — damages reduced by your fault share.
8. Attorney matchingNYC boroughs and statewide via WreckMatch.

Do this · Don't do this · When to call

Do	Don't	When to call
File no-fault promptly	Miss NF-2 deadlines	Insurer
Know serious injury threshold	Assume pain alone equals lawsuit	Attorney
Use 3-year SOL planning	Wait until year 2 without counsel	855 WRECKMATCH
Document NYC evidence	Lose camera-request windows	Lawyer early

At the scene

NYPD or State Police on highways — get precinct and report number.
Exchange insurance — minimum liability limits apply.
Photograph intersection signals and bike lanes in NYC.

Within 24 hours

Hospital or urgent care — no-fault forms need treatment codes.
Notify insurer for no-fault benefits.
Preserve rideshare or taxi trip records if applicable.

Within 1–2 weeks

File MV-104 if not done at scene.
Track no-fault denials.
Consult attorney if serious injury threshold may apply.

Legal snapshot (New York)

Not legal advice. Laws change — confirm with a licensed attorney.

Statute of limitations (typical PI): 3 years (N.Y. CPLR § 214)
Fault: Pure comparative negligence
No-fault: Mandatory personal injury protection (see policy)
NYC hub: /car-accident-help-new-york-city

FAQ

: Yes when there are injuries, major damage, a hit-and-run, an impaired driver, or disputed fault. A police or crash report helps insurers and attorneys. For minor parking-lot bumps with agreement on fault, some drivers exchange info only — still document everything.