      
   4.9146 reviews

Should you call the police for a minor accident?

Request a Case Review

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

10b9db026d89119e951a851045ac17eee7784f79

Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 9, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

Among police-reported crashes, roughly 70% are property damage only. Even though most car accidents are not serious, for both legal and practical reasons, you should still call the police. The laws of each state determine when drivers need to file a report.

New York accident reporting laws

In New York, most traffic accidents need to be reported. If you are involved in an accident in Rockland County, you must report it to the Division of Motor Vehicles if it resulted in:

Any bodily injury
Death
Property damage of more than $1,000

Accidents need to reported within 10 days, using DMV Form MV-104. If there is an injury or death, the police must be notified.

If there is any property damage, no matter the amount, the parties are required to stop and exchange contact and insurance information, as well as driver’s license and license plate numbers. If you hit someone else’s property, including a parked car, you need to try to find the owner. If you cannot, then call the police. If the property damage is more than $1,000, it must be reported to the DMV.

New Jersey accident reporting laws

The threshold requiring a police report is lower in New Jersey. In Bergen County, an accident causing bodily injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage, must be reported.

If it’s only property damage, and the police are not called, the drivers must send a letter to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Agency within 10 days. The letter should explain what happened in as much detail as possible. If a driver hits a parked car or causes some other property damage– they must try to find the owner. If the owner cannot be found, the driver must leave a note providing their name and address and stating what happened.

Report your accident to the insurance company

State laws do not require you to inform your insurance company about any accidents, but your insurance policy likely does. These policies commonly require prompt notice of accidents or potential claims. If you fail to do so and the insurance company is prejudiced by late notice, it could deny your claim.

Do not underestimate the severity of your accident

After an accident, it might seem easier to not involve the police or your insurance. However, in many cases, accidents cause physical injuries that are not immediately detectable. A slight soreness may be an injury that will require follow-up medical treatment and even rehabilitation.

Since you cannot always tell a minor accident from a more serious one, it is important to take precautions. Report the accident as required, document the scene with photos and by obtaining the contact information of other drivers and witnesses, and seek medical attention within 24 hours if not sooner.

Protect your health and any legal claim you may have– by taking your accident seriously from the beginning.

Speak with a professional about your accident

In addition, consider speaking with a car accident attorney about your rights and responsibilities. Your attorney can help you comply with state requirements, meet your duty under your insurance policy, and even file a claim if the situation calls for it.

The attorneys at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. combine big firm experience and small firm attention to providing high-quality personal representation. Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team as soon as possible to discuss your claim.

Why Trust Us?

150+ Reviews

50+ Years of Service

Full-Service Law Firm

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   LWelsh 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Kenny Perlow 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Aliza Ali 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jana Montero 
 96 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Sakmann 
 102 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Liz Hecker 
 108 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Brandy Miller 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Greenspan 
 144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jonathan Sampson 
 151 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Vinnie Kung 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

see all reviews