How to Retrieve an Accident Report in NY
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident in New York, you may have taken photos, videos, and even eyewitness testimony of your crash. While all valuable evidence, if the police were called to the accident scene, they would file a report noting important aspects of the collision. When submitting your demand package to insurance, you will want to get a copy of the accident report to demonstrate the other driver’s liability.
If you have recently been in an accident, our Buffalo car accident attorneys can assist you with accessing your accident report to recover the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Am I Required to Contact the Police After a Crash?
Under section 605 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, you are required to file a crash report if you are involved in an accident in which anyone is injured or killed or if there is property damage that is over $1,000. State law requires law enforcement to file a crash report when responding to an accident that meets this criteria.
If police do not respond to your call or if you do not contact the police, you are required to file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) form with the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the incident.
What is Included in an Accident Report?
An accident report will include the following:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names of all drivers and passengers involved
- Make and model years of the cars involved
- License plate numbers
- Driver’s license numbers for all drivers
- Auto insurance providers and policy numbers for all drivers
- Description of the accident itself
- Description of any injuries to drivers or passengers
- Description of any property or vehicle damage
- Which driver the police officer surmises caused the crash
Why Do I Need an Accident Report?
An accident report provides the responding police officer’s assessment of who the officer believes caused the crash. When liability is contested, the accident report can fill in any missing details, helping you recover the entirety of your claim. If you believe that there is any information missing in the accident report, you should speak with a Buffalo, NY, car accident attorney.
Getting a Copy of My NY Accident Report
Your report may not be available until seven business days following the incident. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles offers you three ways to access your accident report:
Order Online
Crash reports are available online. There is a $7 search fee and a $15 report fee, and you will be given immediate download access. You will have seven days to print the reports you ordered online. After this time, you will have to re-order them.
Order with Record Request Navigator
You can order a certified crash report online if you are not able to perform the online search. This comes with a $10 search fee and $15 report fee, but you must provide the date of the crash, the county where it occurred, and either the license plate number, driver’s license number, or name and date of birth of someone involved in the accident.
Order by Mail
To order by mail, you must fill out a Request for Copy of Crash/Accident Report (MV-198C) form, and remit it, along with the non-refundable search fee, to the New York State DMV in Albany.
Our Buffalo, NY, car accident attorneys can help you with accessing your crash report. We will contact the precinct on your behalf to get a copy of the report for your case file. The accident report provides valuable insight into the extent of your injuries and vehicle damage, further supporting the damages sought.
Consult with a Buffalo, NY, Car Accident Attorney
Following a car accident, you deserve just compensation for your injuries and hardship. At Steve Foley Law Firm, we fight to better the lives of injury victims in Buffalo and the surrounding areas. To learn what we can do for you, contact us online or by phone to schedule your free consultation.