A driver involved in an automobile accident must report a traffic collision using the MV-104A Report of Motor Vehicle Accident if the incident involved:

• A fatality
• A personal injury
• Property damage of $1000 or more

The MV-104A Police Accident Report form can be found at insurance agencies, law enforcement agencies, or the local DMV.

There are three ways you can get your collision report in New York.You must first identify the local police department that took the report. In most cases, you must pick up your report in person, request a copy by mail, or pay a steep fee to obtain your report online.If you were involved in a car accident in New York, a police officer will take down your information and you will be given a report number. You will need to use the report number, or provide other information concerning the accident, to obtain your crash report.

Requests for Crash Reports In-Person

Visit the local police precinct to obtain your copy of the official New York police report and fill out the request form. In New York, collision reports are only held for thirty days after the responding police officer has filed them. After thirty days, the crash report will be sent to the New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.When you visit your local police department and fill out a Records Request Form you must include information such as:

• The report number (if available)
• The date, time, and location of the incident
• The license plate number or VIN
• Driver license number
• Your full name

Request Copies of Accident Reports By Mail

To receive your report via mail, visit the Police Department’s website and print and fill out the Records Request Form. Include the appropriate report fee, depending on the length of the report, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Request Copies of Accident Reports Online

In some cases, you can obtain a copy of your New York police report online through the Collision Report Retrieval Portal. Unfortunately, not all police agencies in New York use this system. For more information, visit your local police department’s website.

Requesting Your Police Traffic Collision Report After Thirty Days

If you did not request your police accident report within thirty days of the accident, you must fill out the MV198C accident report request form and send it to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. Copies of reports from the Department of Motor Vehicles will cost $25.00. Forms of acceptable payment include credit card, personal checks, bank check, or money order.

If you did not request your police accident report within thirty days of the accident, you must fill out the MV198C accident report request form and send it to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. Copies of reports from the Department of Motor Vehicles will cost $25.00. Forms of acceptable payment include credit card, personal checks, bank check, or money order.

It can take approximately two weeks before a New York accident report is available. Accident reports by mail are processed in the order they are received and may take longer than ten business days if a crime or a fatality was involved. If there is an open investigation, the report may not be available for several weeks or months.

In New York, the cost of an accident report can range from $20-$50 for a paper police report or an electronic report, depending on the police department and the length of the report.

• Time, date, and location of the auto accident
• The names and contact details of all involved drivers in the automobile accident
• A description of bodily injuries (personal injuries), vehicle damage, and property damage
• A diagram of the accident scene
• Accident type, such as tragic collision, injury accident, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, semi-truck accident, bicycle accident, etc.
• Weather and road conditions
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers/VINs
• Registration information
• Police officer’s opinion concerning which driver they believe was at-fault for the collision
• Witness statements and contact details
• Any citations issued or arrests made (speeding, DWI, DUI, reckless driving, etc.)
• Name and badge number of responding police officer
• Name of the reporting law enforcement agency

A New York crash report will recount the events that led to the collision, the aftermath of the accident and will also identify who the responding police officer believes is responsible for the accident.

Filing an Insurance Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit

As you can see, if you plan to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, a crash report can be invaluable. If you hire a personal injury law firm after a motor vehicle collision, a personal injury attorney will use the information in an incident report to negotiate with the insurance company and fight for compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, vehicle damage, and other losses. Due to the attorney-client relationship, your personal injury lawyer can request a copy of your crash report on your behalf.If you decide to file an insurance claim on your own, you can request a copy of your automobile accident report and give a copy to your insurance company and the other motorist’s insurance provider.