Why Do I Need A New York Accident Report?
Why Do I Need An Accident Report?
Were you involved in a car accident in the Empire State? If so, one of the first documents you should acquire is a copy of your certified New York State DMV Report of Motor Vehicle Accident.
Your accident report has essential information regarding your crash, gathered by a law enforcement officer at the scene. Without access to this report, you may have difficulty verifying critical elements of your crash. As a result, the compensation you receive could be much less than anticipated, and your insurance rates could go up significantly.
While many agencies and services will charge an unnecessary fee to obtain a copy of your crash report, we will do it free of charge!
Click HERE to request a copy of your FREE New York car accident report.
Requirements for Filing an Accident Report in New York
According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Code § 605, an accident report must be filed if any of the following conditions are met:
- Property damage totals $1,001, or more
- Anyone involved was injured or killed
- A parked vehicle or any other property was damaged and the owner is not present
- A domestic animal was hit
Not only can failing to report an accident increase your insurance premiums, but it could also result in mandatory fines, driver’s license suspension, and a misdemeanor charge.
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New York Accident Report FAQs
Although vehicle collisions in New York resulting only in property damage under $1,001 are not required to be reported, you should still contact law enforcement after every crash. It may be impossible to tell in the moment whether anyone is injured or just how extensive any property damage is. Failure to file a report could result in license suspension, fines, and even criminal charges.
Once the report has been filed you can typically receive the report instantly by ordering it electronically or by reaching out to the New York Highway Patrol office in the area where the accident happened.
Yes, if possible. You should always contact the police after any type of crash, no matter how serious or minor. Having a police officer at the scene to take town an official crash report will ensure an unbiased official properly documents the specific details of your accident.
Yes. You can file your own crash report in New York. However, it will not hold nearly as much weight with your insurance company as a report filed by an officer at the scene would.
If the other driver attempts to flee the scene, do not try to stop or chase them. Get to a safe place on the side of the road and wait for the police to arrive. If you can do so safely, get the driver’s license plate number before they leave.
Never attempt to chase another driver after they flee the scene of a crash. This could potentially result in another accident or traffic violation. Instead, remain at the scene and wait for the police to arrive and take down a report.
The official New York State DMV Report of Motor Vehicle accident has six sections wherein the officer provides details about your collision, such as:
- Date and time the crash occurred
- Precise location of the crash, including cross streets and/or mileposts
- Total number of vehicles involved
- Driver’s names, addresses, and contact information
- Auto insurance policy information
- Narrative and diagram of the incident
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