How to File an Accident Report with the New Haven Police Department (Union Ave)

Last Modified on Jun 01, 2026

Filing an accident report with the New Haven Police Department starts at 1 Union Avenue, and knowing what to bring and when you’re required to file can protect your insurance claim and your legal rights. Connecticut law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage above a certain threshold – and a police report becomes critical evidence if a dispute arises later.

Loughlin FitzGerald P.C. represents clients throughout New Haven, Connecticut and the surrounding area and can explain how accident reports factor into your personal injury or property damage claim.

Key Takeaways

The New Haven Police Department headquarters is at 1 Union Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519. Non-emergency line: (203) 946-6316.
Connecticut law requires reporting any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage under CGS §14-108.
Standard accident reports are available through the LexisNexis BuyCrash portal for crashes from 2022 onward. Complex accident reconstruction reports cost $525 and must be requested separately.
Allow 7 working days for traffic accident reports to be completed before requesting a copy.
Police reports serve as critical documentation for insurance claims and any future personal injury action.

Dealing with injuries after your accident? Contact Loughlin FitzGerald P.C. for a free consultation.

When Is Filing an Accident Report Required in Connecticut?

Connecticut law under CGS §14-108 requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage significant enough that a vehicle cannot be driven from the scene under its own power. The reporting obligation applies regardless of who caused the crash.

Failing to report when required can result in license suspension and complicate insurance claims substantially. Even for minor property-damage-only accidents where police do not respond to the scene, filing a report at the station afterward creates an official record that protects you if disputes arise later.

When police must respond vs. when you file after the fact:

Injury or death involved: call 911 immediately
Vehicle cannot be driven from the scene: call 911 or report in person at 1 Union Avenue
Hit-and-run or impaired driver: call 911
Minor property damage only, information exchanged: visit 1 Union Avenue or use the online portal for eligible incidents

Online Reporting for Minor Incidents

The New Haven Police Department offers an online reporting option through the Police to Citizen portal for certain non-emergency incidents. The online system is designed only for minor property-damage incidents where all parties exchanged information at the scene – not for accidents involving injuries, hit-and-run situations, or significant damage.

Note: At the time of writing, the Police to Citizen portal at newhavenct.policetocitizen.com was returning access errors. If you need to file online, check the NHPD website for the current status of the online reporting system, or call (203) 946-6316 to confirm availability before attempting an online report.

What to Bring for an In-Person Accident Report at 1 Union Avenue

When visiting the New Haven Police Department headquarters at 1 Union Avenue, bring the following:

Required documents:

Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Current insurance information
Other driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance carrier
Names and contact information for any witnesses

Scene documentation to bring or provide:

Photographs of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries
Date, time, and exact location of the accident
The responding officer’s name and badge number if police came to the scene

When providing your account, use clear factual statements. Do not admit fault or speculate about causes – describe what you observed. Record the name and badge number of the officer you speak with, which helps when requesting report copies later.

How to Obtain a Copy of Your New Haven Accident Report

Standard reports (2022 and newer):

Accident reports from 2022 onward are available through the LexisNexis BuyCrash portal. Allow 7 working days for a traffic accident report to be completed before requesting a copy. If the report is not available through BuyCrash after 7 working days, submit a FOIA request through the NHPD Reports Request page.

Report fees:

Standard reports under 10 pages: available by email free of charge
Standard reports over 10 pages: $0.50 per page
Complete accident reconstruction reports: $525.00
Payment: money order or check only, made payable to the Treasurer, City of New Haven. No cash or credit cards accepted for reconstruction report requests

What to include in your request:

Full names of all parties involved
Date, time, and location of the accident
Incident type and report number if available

Insurance companies and attorneys can request reports on your behalf, which often expedites the process. If you have legal representation, your attorney typically handles this as part of managing your claim.

Why Choose Loughlin FitzGerald P.C.

Loughlin FitzGerald P.C. has represented Connecticut personal injury clients from its Wallingford office for more than 36 years, serving clients throughout New Haven, Meriden, Wallingford, and across the state. The firm’s attorneys bring defense-side experience that lets them anticipate insurer arguments and build stronger cases against them. The team includes a Connecticut Super Lawyer (2020-2025) and a seven-time Connecticut Rising Star. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a police report online in Connecticut?

The New Haven Police Department offers online reporting through its Police to Citizen portal for certain non-emergency, minor property-damage incidents. Accidents involving injuries, hit-and-run situations, impaired drivers, or significant property damage require calling 911 or filing in person at 1 Union Avenue. Check the NHPD website for current portal availability before attempting an online report.

How do I contact the New Haven Police Department for a non-emergency?

Call (203) 946-6316 for non-emergency matters, or visit the station at 1 Union Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519. For emergencies requiring immediate response, call 911.

How long does it take to get a copy of my accident report?

Allow 7 working days for traffic accident reports to be completed before requesting a copy. Standard reports under 10 pages are emailed free of charge. Reconstruction reports cost $525 and must be paid by money order or check payable to the Treasurer, City of New Haven.

Can I report someone without knowing their name?

Yes. File a report with whatever identifying information you have – vehicle description, license plate number, or physical description. Officers will investigate using the details you provide.

Loughlin FitzGerald P.C.: New Haven Personal Injury Attorneys

Filing a police report is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your claim after a New Haven accident. The report creates the official record insurers and courts rely on.

If you’re dealing with injuries or a disputed liability situation, contact Loughlin FitzGerald P.C. today for a free consultation.

New Haven Personal Injury Resources:

About the author: John F. Conway

Partner at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C.

John F. Conway is a partner at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he represents clients in personal injury, insurance defense, employment, land use, construction, and commercial litigation. For more than thirty years, he has practiced in both Connecticut state and federal courts, earning recognition as a trusted and knowledgeable litigator. John also advises businesses on corporate formation, transactions, and contract matters. A Connecticut Super Lawyer (2020–2024), he is a Lehigh University and Fordham University School of Law graduate.

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