Car Accident Police Report NYC

A police report is one of the most vital documents you will need after getting injured or losing a loved one in a car accident. Besides the report, you need an experienced law firm in your corner to protect your rights. That's where Morgan and Morgan gets into the picture with a free, no-obligation case evaluation for accident victims. With the report on one hand and a Morgan and Morgan attorney on the other hand, there is no single insurance company in New York or beyond that's too big or difficult to take on.

Car Accident Police Report Explained

A car accident police report is just what it sounds like — a formal document created by law enforcement officers who respond to a motor vehicle collision in New York City. When the police respond to the accident scene anywhere within the city and beyond, one of the things they'll do is gather information about the accident and then create a report. So, how important is such a report, and when does it's importance come into play? More on that below.

Reasons To File a Police Report After a Car Accident in NYC

When you file a car accident claim with an insurance provider, they will not believe your version of the story, even if you're bleeding profusely or covered in a gauze wrap from head to toe. To the insurer, your injuries or damages won't matter unless you substantiate them. That's one of the things a car accident report can help you with.
 
This report serves as an official record of the incident and reveals critical information about how the accident happened. It clears any doubts that the accident actually occurred and supports your claim for insurance purposes or legal proceedings.
 
It's not uncommon to encounter disagreements about fault or responsibility for the accident, given that insurance companies are always keen on protecting their own selfish interests. From our experience dealing with these companies, we know they'll take advantage of any loophole to avoid liability or pay out less than you deserve when you file a claim.
 
But that's not an easy thing to do when you have a police report. As you would expect, insurance providers are more likely to believe a police officer's objective assessment than your own version of events. Moreover, it's actually a good idea to keep a copy of the police report for your own records. You can always refer back to this record in the future if a dispute arises later with the other party, insurance companies, or legal representatives.

What to Expect In a Car Accident Police Report

Now that you understand just how important this document is to your case let's discuss, in more detail, what it entails.
 
First, as we touched on earlier, it will contain the details about the accident itself, such as the date, time, and location. This information may seem irrelevant on paper, but it could be the difference between winning your case, settling for less, or going home empty-handed.

The report also mentions everyone involved in the accident, including the drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Your attorney will need this information to conduct further investigation and, if need be, obtain statements or testimonies regarding the accident.
 
You should also expect a detailed description of the accident in this document. By 'description', we mean the sequence of events leading up to the collision and a summary of what happened during and immediately after the incident. It may also touch on factors that might have led to the accident, such as bad weather, roads, or malfunctioning traffic signals.
 
The police officer who writes the report will often include their observations and findings about the accident, including any property damage and bodily injuries sustained, and their opinion on the party at fault.
 
In accidents that involve serious injuries, this document will note down the nature and extent of the injuries suffered, the type of medical treatment provided at the scene, whether any individuals were transported to a hospital for further care, and any other relevant information.

When To File a Police Report

In New York City, the general guidelines state that you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if certain conditions are met.
 
Say the accident resulted in property damage amounting to $1001 or more; you will need to file a report. That requirement includes situations where vehicles or other property, such as building structures or parked cars, are damaged extensively.
 
This rule also applies if anyone involved in the accident was injured or killed, regardless of the extent of the property damage. The safety and well-being of individuals involved in the accident take precedence in such cases.
 
However, some exceptions may also apply in certain accidents. For example, if the accident only resulted in property damage of $1000 or less, the drivers involved need only exchange their information with each other, such as:
 
●      Driver licenses
●      Automobile insurance information
●      Vehicle registration details
 
Finally, note that if the accident caused damage to a parked car, other property, or a domestic animal, you are required by New York City's laws to locate the owner of the property and then contact the local police. While this step ensures that appropriate actions are taken to address the situation, you won't need to file a car accident report with the city.

How to File

To file a car accident police report in New York City, follow these easy steps:
 
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, and locate the Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) form, usually available in PDF format.
 
Download and fill out the MV-104 form, then file it electronically through the DMV website.

How to Obtain a Copy of the Police Report

For many different reasons, including those we've discussed earlier in this article, you may need to obtain this report.
 
Here's how to go about it.
 
Call or visit the local police station handling the case and inquire if your report is available for retrieval. They will be able to inform you about the availability of the report and any associated fees for obtaining a copy.
 
Alternatively, for reports already filed and processed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you can access them through the DMV website.

On the website, locate the Crash (Accident) Reports section, and then click on the provided link to retrieve the report.