We recommend calling the police at the scene of the accident. After assessing the accident and verifying the health of all involved, this should be your course of action. Some states give you up to 10 days from the date of the accident to file a report; this includes New York. However, it is best to have the police rush to the scene. We strongly recommend that you call the police when you, the other party and witnesses are present.
New York State law requires you to contact the police “as soon as possible.” If you don’t have a cell phone, use your cell phone to report or borrow one. Or you can use the nearest public phone. If these options are not available, you can drive to the nearest police station (if your car is available). If this is not possible, the last option is to call the police as soon as you get home. If the passenger is in the car, you can also file a report. If you are not the owner, so is the owner. However, the 10-day rule still applies to these situations.
You must also report any vehicle accidents to DMV within 10 days and report to your insurance company within 24 hours. This has nothing to do with submitting a police report. Some people think that DMV or their insurance company will contact the police and the police will submit a report. This is not the case. You should contact the police at the scene of the accident.