I was in an accident tonight where the other driver was at fault. I was driving straight through a green light when someone making a left turn decided to accelerate instead of yielding. I tried to stop and even turned right to avoid a collision, but it wasn’t enough. The other driver acknowledged it was her fault and apologized. I called the police, but they didn’t arrive until about 90 minutes later. The other driver said she had to leave to take care of her dog. When the officer finally showed up, he mentioned that since New York is a no-fault state, a police report isn’t really necessary, but now I’m seeing conflicting information online saying I do need one.
I’ve already contacted the other driver’s insurance and filed a claim. I found the MV-104 form—should I fill it out and send it to the DMV? What should I do next? This is my first accident, and I’m a bit lost. My car suffered significant damage, and it might cost a few thousand dollars to fix or could even be totaled. Fortunately, I was able to drive it home, but I won’t know about any hidden damage until a shop checks it out. Should I also call my own insurance to file a claim? I appreciate any advice you can share. Thank you! 🙏🏼
I’m sorry to hear about your accident, but it sounds like you’re taking the right steps. In New York, even though it’s a no-fault state, it’s still a good idea to file a report with the DMV, especially since there were damages and you’re considering a claim against the other driver’s insurance.
You should definitely fill out the MV-104 form, which is the accident report form in New York, and submit it to the DMV within 10 days of the accident. This will help ensure that everything is documented properly, especially since your car has significant damage.
As for your insurance, it’s a good idea to notify them of the accident, even if you’re filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance. They may provide additional guidance and support, and it could be beneficial if there are any disputes later on.
Make sure to document everything—photos of the damage, any medical documentation if necessary, and keep a record of your communications with both insurance companies and the police. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll get through this. Good luck!