The crash happened days ago, and now you need the official report. Maybe the insurance company is asking for it, or maybe you want to confirm what the officer documented before details fade. In New York, the process for obtaining your accident report depends on where the crash occurred and how much time has passed. The steps vary for NYPD, Nassau County Police, and the NYS DMV, and each agency has its own timeline and fees. A New York personal injury attorney can help you secure this critical evidence and use it to build a strong claim.
Who Files the Report and When Is It Required?
After a motor vehicle accident in New York, two types of reports may exist. The first is the police collision report, which the responding officer files with the agency that covers the area where the crash occurred. The second is the motorist crash report (Form MV-104), which state law requires drivers to file with the NYS DMV under certain conditions.
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 605, every driver involved in a crash must file a report with the DMV within 10 days if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to any one person. This includes damage to your own vehicle. Failure to file is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of your driver’s license until the report is submitted.
The police report is a separate document. Officers who respond to the scene prepare their own collision report, which includes a crash diagram, witness information, and any violations or citations issued. This is the report most people need when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury case.
How to Get Your Report From the NYPD
If the crash occurred within New York City, the NYPD handles the collision report. There are two primary ways to obtain it, depending on how much time has passed since the accident.
Within the first 30 days, you can request the report directly from the precinct where the collision occurred. Download and complete the Request for Copy of Collision Record form, then bring or mail two copies to the precinct. You can also access NYPD collision reports online through the department’s retrieval portal at no cost. Reports filed after September 30, 2016 are eligible, and it may take up to seven business days from the date of the incident for the report to appear in the system.
After 30 days, the NYPD transfers its reports to the New York State DMV. At that point, you will need to request the report through the DMV using the process described below.
How to Get Your Report From Nassau County or the NYS DMV
For crashes that occurred in Nassau County, the Nassau County Police Department maintains its own records system. You can request a report online through the department’s website approximately 48 hours after the accident for $27. In-person requests are available at Police Headquarters at 1490 Franklin Avenue in Mineola, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at a cost of $25.
For any accident report statewide, including those that have transferred from NYPD precincts after 30 days, the NYS DMV offers online and mail options. Online requests cost $22 total, which includes a $7 search fee and a $15 report fee. Mail requests require a completed MV-198C form and cost $25 total ($10 search fee plus $15 per report). Processing times vary, but online requests are generally faster.
If the accident was investigated by the New York State Police, you request the report through the NYS DMV using the same MV-198C process described above. However, if the crash occurred on the New York State Thruway, the request goes to the Thruway Authority on its own form.
Why Your Accident Report Matters for Your Claim
Your collision report is more than a formality. It serves as a foundational piece of evidence in any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The report typically documents the officer’s observations at the scene, identifies the parties involved, includes a diagram of how the crash occurred, and notes any traffic violations.
Insurance adjusters review accident reports closely when evaluating fault and liability. If the report supports your version of events, it strengthens your position during settlement negotiations. If it contains errors or omissions, an attorney can help you challenge the record with supplemental evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and medical documentation.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence standard, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. The accident report often plays a role in how that percentage is assigned, making it essential to review the report early and address any inaccuracies.
Protect Your Rights After a New York Car Accident
If you were hurt in a car accident in Nassau County, Garden City, or anywhere in the New York City area, we can help you obtain your accident report and put it to work for your claim. At Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C., we have focused exclusively on personal injury cases since 1992. Contact our Garden City office today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney who knows how to fight for full compensation.
