Do you have to call police after a minor car accident in New Jersey?
Asked by: Jett Dietrich | Last update: April 27, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (67 votes)
Do you need a police report for an accident in NJ?
New Jersey law requires victims of car accidents to notify the police of any injuries so if you do not report the crash and later realize you are hurt you may not be able to receive compensation through an insurance claim.
What to do after a minor car accident in NJ?
- Calling 911 or the police department.
- Taking down the contact and insurance information for all the other drivers involved in the accident.
- Taking photos or video of the accident scene.
- Getting statements or contact info for any eyewitnesses.
Should I call police for minor accident NJ?
Yes, you should call the police for a fender bender in New Jersey, even if the damage looks minimal. Calling the police will document the accident and keep you compliant with state laws. A police report will protect your interests if you need to file an insurance claim later.
What happens if you don't report an accident within 24 hours in NJ?
Failing to report an accident in New Jersey can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Understanding your legal obligations and knowing the proper steps to take after an accident can help you avoid these penalties.
Do You Have To Call The Police After A Minor Car Accident?
Will police investigate a minor hit and run?
Will Police Investigate a Minor Hit-and-Run? Yes, law enforcement takes all hit-and-run accidents seriously, even those that only cause property damage. Calling the police is the first thing you should do when in a hit-and-run accident. Officers must investigate any crash where a driver flees the scene.
What is a non-reportable accident in NJ?
You do not have to report a minor car accident in New Jersey if no one was injured and there was minimal property damage. Section 4-130 of New Jersey Statutes Title 39 specifies that you must file a police report following a car accident if either of the following is true: Anyone involved in the accident was injured.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in NJ?
Without a police report your company could deny your claim. In fact, under Division of Motor Vehicle law you are required to report any accident involving property damage in excess of $500.00 to the appropriate authorities.
What is the fender bender law in New Jersey?
If you get into a fender bender accident in New Jersey, the law requires that you file a police report whenever someone involved in the accident is injured or killed. If there are no injuries or deaths, you will only need to file a police report if there was over $500 in property damage because of the accident.
Do you need a police report for an insurance claim?
If no one was injured in the accident and property damage is minor: You have no legal obligation to report the accident to the police under California law. However, filing a police report is still in your best interest if you plan to file an insurance claim for any property damage sustained in the collision.
What happens if a minor gets in a car accident?
Under California law, a minor cannot initiate a personal injury lawsuit alone. Parents or legal guardians must submit personal injury claims for them. As a guardian, you can seek compensation for your child's medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Do you need to call 911 for a car accident?
If There are Any Injuries
If anyone involved in the accident sustained any type of injury, you must alert law enforcement as soon as possible. This is mandated by California Vehicle Code 20008 VC: 20008.
How long do minor accidents affect insurance?
Typically, the DMV will hold onto these records for around 3 years, but this can go up to 10 years if the accident involves a commercial vehicle. This 3-year countdown also starts on the day that the accident occurred.
Do I have to report an accident to my insurance NJ?
In addition to reporting an accident to the police or to NJDOT, you should also timely report the accident to your auto insurance company, even if you don't think you were responsible for causing the accident or if you don't think you suffered any injuries or property damage.
What is a no fault accident in NJ?
New Jersey is a no-fault car accident state. This means that if you're in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault, you'll turn to your insurance provider to cover your damages. However, despite what many people think, this doesn't mean that fault isn't assigned to either driver in an accident.
Who is at fault in fender Bender?
Determining liability in a three-car fender bender can be complex, as multiple factors may have contributed to the accident. Usually, the driver of the car who caused the initial rear-end collision is considered liable. In California, a tailgating vehicle is typically presumed liable for a chain reaction collision.
What are the rules for accidents in New Jersey?
New Jersey law requires motorists to report any vehicle accident that involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. You may call 911 or your local police department. After you report the accident, you will need to file a written report within 10 days, unless the police have already filed a report.
What is a non-reportable accident in New Jersey?
According to New Jersey State Law, you are obligated to report a car accident to the police if it results in any form of injury or death or if the property damage exceeds $500.
Can you not report an accident to insurance?
There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.
How long do you have to file a police report after an accident in NJ?
In New Jersey, you are required to file a police report within 10 days of the accident, according to N.J. Stat. § 39:4-130. This deadline is not just a bureaucratic formality; it is crucial for both legal and insurance purposes. Filing the report within this time frame helps protect your rights as an accident victim.
What type of accidents need to be reported?
- The death of any person. ...
- Specified, reportable injuries to workers. ...
- Over-7-day incapacitation of a worker. ...
- Over-3-day incapacitation. ...
- Non-fatal accidents to people other than workers. ...
- Carcinogens, mutagens and biological agents.
What is the fine for failing to report an accident in NJ?
A driver who is convicted of this offense is subject to a fine of $32 to $102. This offense is not a point violation. This charge is a lesser-included offense of the very serious offense of leaving the scene of the accident.
Who is at fault in a non-reportable accident?
Non-reportable just means the damage was below a certain $ determined by your state/county/city/etc. to be reportable. This does not mean you aren't financially liable for the damage you caused to the other. The other driver certainly has every right to file a claim against your insurance.
What to do if someone claims you hit their car?
- Evaluate the Situation.
- Speak to the Other Party Politely.
- Take Photos and Videos.
- Gather Witnesses.
- Check for Nearby Cameras.
- Report the Incident.
- Explain Your Side Clearly.
- When to Consult an Attorney.