What you do in the first minutes after a crash is set by law: stop, help, swap information, report. Knowing the steps ahead of time keeps a bad day from getting worse.
Checked Oct 11, 2026 · official sources linked
9 rules · 0 written-test points
Key points, in our words
Report a crash to DMV on form MV-104 within 10 days if anyone was hurt or killed, or any one person’s property damage is $1,000 or more. NY Driver’s Manual
Stop after any crash, however small; leaving when someone is hurt or killed is a crime. NY Driver’s Manual
If anyone is hurt or killed, notify the police right away and make sure an ambulance has been called. NY Driver’s Manual
Exchange your name, address, license number, registration and insurance details (policy number and effective date) with the other drivers and police. NY Driver’s Manual
All the rules, in our words
Tags show the kind of rule and whether it’s a written-test point or matters on the drive test (our tagging). Each rule links to its official source.
Stop after any crash, however small. Leaving the scene of a property-damage crash is a traffic violation; leaving when someone is hurt or killed is a crime.
Exchange information with the other drivers and police: your name, address, license number, registration, and insurance details including policy number and effective date. Show your insurance card if asked.
Don’t move an injured person unless fire or another deadly danger forces you to; if you must, keep their head, neck and back in line. Stay away from downed wires, and tell people in a car touched by wires to stay inside.
Report a crash to DMV on form MV-104 within 10 days if anyone was hurt or killed or any one person’s property damage is $1,000 or more. Telling your insurer doesn’t count, and not reporting is a misdemeanor.
Both of our practice questions for this chapter, with explanations.
Sample question 1/2
In stop-and-go traffic on Northern Boulevard, you lightly bump the car ahead. You see no damage, and the other driver gives a quick wave. What should you do?
Stop; you must stop after any crash, however minor
Drive on, since there’s no visible damage
Drive on, since the other driver waved it off
Stop only if someone says they’re hurt
Show answer
Answer: A. Stop; you must stop after any crash, however minor
New York requires you to stop after any crash, no matter how small, and exchange information. Leaving a crash that damaged property is a traffic violation; leaving when someone is hurt or killed is a crime.
You collide with another car in Schenectady. No one is hurt, but the other driver’s repair estimate is $1,800. You’ve already reported it to your insurance company. What else must you do?
Nothing; telling your insurer is enough
File a crash report with DMV within 30 days
File form MV-104 with DMV within 10 days
File a report only if police came to the scene
Show answer
Answer: C. File form MV-104 with DMV within 10 days
When anyone is hurt or killed, or any one person’s property damage is $1,000 or more, you must report the crash to DMV. Do this on form MV-104 within 10 days. Telling your insurer doesn’t replace that report, and failing to file is a misdemeanor.