Car accidents in New York pose a constant risk to public safety. Being in a car accident is a stressful situation to be in. You may be hurt and need medical attention, but what you do after the accident can greatly impact your ability to claim damages. One thing that is very important after an NY accident is to get an accident report.
Your insurance company may require an accident report (or police report) and the state of New York requires it. It's an easy process for those who have not filed a police report in the past. Furthermore, an accident report can be used as evidence to support your claim and protect your rights.
There were over 68,000 accidents in New York City alone in 2023, according to Forbes. They occur daily and it's important to know what to do after such an accident.
Below, we provide some basic information regarding how to get an accident report in NY. While this is important information, you should always consult with a qualified NY car accident lawyer for advice. The experience and legal expertise of the law firm of Brandon J. Broderick provide you with peace of mind. We can help get you the outcome you deserve.
Reach out to us today to discuss the details of your case.
Accident Reports in NY
When you've been in an accident resulting in more than $1,000 in damage or injury to any persons involved, a police report is required by New York state law. The drivers involved in an accident must report it to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the police do not respond to the scene. This report is called the Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104), which offers the facts surrounding the accident.
The information in the report will be used by the DMV and the drivers' insurance providers to assess who is at fault for the collision. With this, the claims process will start. This is why it's important to file an accident report and to get a copy of this report following an accident in New York.
Information Included in an NY Accident Report
Important details regarding the accident will be included in the accident report. An accident report may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Accident date
- Accident time
- Accident location
- Make/model of the vehicles involved
- License plate numbers of vehicles involved
- Names of any passenger(s) involved
- Driver's license numbers of both parties
- Insurance policy info
- Weather conditions
- List of injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, or pedestrians
- Any traffic infractions or other police-issued citations
- Description of any property or vehicle damage
- Drawings or sketches that provide details of the collision
The police will automatically file the report if they respond to the accident. If they don't show up, New York law mandates that the drivers involved submit form MV-104 to the DMV within ten days after the collision. Additionally, the MV-104 will be added to each driver's official file following the collision.
Do I Need A Copy of My Accident Report?
One or more of the other drivers involved in the car accident may dispute liability if the police did not come to the scene and issue a citation. Because of this, the accident report will be used by both your insurance company to determine who was more at fault in the accident.
How Do I Get A Copy of the Accident Report?
You should obtain a copy of the accident report from the precinct police station if the police were called to your accident. The report will typically be made public no later than 30 days following the accident. You will need to fill out the Request for Copy of Collision Record Form if you filed an accident report on your own because the police did not show up.
This form can be completed online, but don't forget to print two copies. After completing both copies, you can either mail them or deliver them in person to the police station where the accident occurred. You can also obtain a copy of your accident report online from the NYPD. Keep in mind that the report might not become available for at least seven working days following the accident. Copies of the accident report are kept by the precinct for 30 days following the accident, after which they are sent to the New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. You have thirty days to request your accident report from the precinct; if you don't, you will need to obtain it directly from the DMV.
Brandon J. Broderick Can Assist You With Your Car Accident Case
Finding the right attorney to help you isn't always easy. But, legal advice is important. Understanding an accident report and figuring out what's best for you legally is made easier with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our lawyers have years of expertise with auto accidents, particularly those that result in injuries.
Call us immediately to schedule a free consultation.