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Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Between medical treatment, dealing with insurance companies, and managing vehicle repairs, one of the first questions many clients ask us is:
“How long does it take to get a police report after a car accident in New York?”
The answer depends on where the accident occurred, how the report was filed, and the level of investigation required.
How Long Does a Police Report Take in New York?
According to the New York State DMV:
- Electronic reports (such as those filed by NYPD in New York City) are typically available within 14 days.
- Paper reports can take 30 days or longer to process.
- If a driver files a report directly with the DMV, it may take up to 60 days to appear in the system.
In Westchester County communities like White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle, turnaround time can vary depending on the police department’s workload and whether the crash involves serious injury, multiple vehicles, or disputed liability.
Why Do Police Reports Take Time?
Several factors can cause delays in processing reports, including:
- The severity of the accident (injury or fatal crashes often require extended review)
- The number of vehicles involved
- Ongoing investigations (such as witness statements or video footage review)
- Administrative backlogs within the local police department or DMV
These reports aren’t just paperwork—they are critical legal documents that provide an official record of what happened.
What Information Is in a Police Report?
A police accident report in New York typically includes:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Contact details for drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
- Officer’s written observations
- Diagrams showing how the accident occurred
- Statements from those involved
While police reports are generally not admissible in court as direct evidence (due to the hearsay rule), they provide a strong foundation for building a personal injury case and negotiating with insurance companies.
Why You Need a Police Report After a Car Accident
Without a police report, proving liability becomes significantly harder. Insurance companies often deny or delay claims when an official report is missing. Filing promptly also protects your rights under New York law, which requires drivers to report accidents involving:
- Injury or death
- Property damage over $1,000 (must be reported to the DMV within 10 days)
Failing to file can result in fines or even license suspension.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Westchester or NYC
If you’ve been in a crash in White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Queens, or Manhattan, here are steps to take immediately:
- Check for injuries and call 911.
- Stay at the scene until police arrive.
- Exchange driver and insurance information.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Ask for the police report number before leaving.
- Follow up with the local police department or DMV to obtain a copy.
- Contact your insurance company promptly.
- Speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Why Choose Norman Gershon as Your Car Accident Lawyer
For more than 35 years, Norman Gershon has been recognized as one of New York’s most effective trial lawyers. Known as the attorney other lawyers call when a case seems unwinnable, Norman has secured tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for accident victims throughout Westchester and NYC.
Some notable results include:
- $16,500,000 verdict – Passenger injured in a bus collision (Bronx Supreme Court)
- $14,500,000 settlement – Catastrophic injuries in a Queens bus accident
- $5,068,000 verdict – Motor vehicle accident involving a sideswipe (Queens Supreme Court)
- $2,500,000 verdict – Car accident intersection collision (Westchester Supreme Court)
Clients consistently describe Norman as smart, compassionate, and relentless in the courtroom. As one Bronx client put it:
“Norman is very attentive — he goes above and beyond to make sure you as a person are okay. His knowledge and attention to detail extended far beyond what I expected. During the trial, I was amazed — it felt like I was watching Law and Order.”
Call a Westchester Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in White Plains, Yonkers, Westchester County, or anywhere in New York City, don’t wait. Police reports take time, insurance companies delay, and evidence can fade quickly.
Contact the Law Offices of Norman Gershon today for a free consultation. Put one of New York’s most respected trial attorneys on your side — and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
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