Obtaining a New York State Police Accident Report

COHEN & COHEN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS, P.C. | July 3, 2024 | Police Accident Reports in NY |

Following a car accident involving New York State Troopers, obtaining a copy of the official New York State Police accident report may be necessary for various reasons. In this guide we will outline the different methods for obtaining your report, along with important details about costs, processing times, and required documentation. We’ll also explore the different payment options and what type of information you can expect to obtain via your New York State Police incident report.

Why Would I Need A Copy Of My New York State Police Incident Report

There are several reasons why you might need a copy of your New York State accident report, both following an accident involving State Troopers or any law enforcement that files a report with the DMV:

• Insurance Claims:
  After an accident, your insurance company will likely request a copy of the police report verifying the details of the incident. This helps them determine fault and process your claim accordingly.
• Legal Matters:
  If you plan to pursue legal action due to your accident, the police report serves as a crucial piece of evidence. It documents the scene, contributing factors, witness statements (if applicable), and officer observations, which can be vital for your case.  Our vehicle accident attorneys will definitely need a copy of this report after an accident to help you with your case.
• Driver’s License Reinstatement:
  In some cases, a police report may be required to reinstate a driver’s license suspended after an accident.
• Record Keeping:
  Even if you aren’t filing a claim or pursuing legal action, having a copy of the report for your personal records can be helpful in case of future disputes, medical issues related to the accident, or any inquiries from insurance companies down the line.

How to Get a New York State Police Accident Report Online

The New York State DMV now allows you to search and purchase certified New York police accident reports, including those from State Troopers. You’ll need some basic information about the accident, then expect to pay a $7 search fee and an additional $15 per report.

Here are several reasons why you might need a copy of your New York State Police accident report:

• Insurance Claims:
  Following an accident, your insurance company will likely request a copy of the police report verifying the details of the incident. This helps them determine fault and process your claim accordingly.
• Legal Matters:
  If you plan to pursue legal action as a result of your accident, the police report serves as a crucial piece of evidence. It documents the scene, contributing factors like weather, time of day, impairment of drivers, and officer observations, which can be vital for your case.
• Driver’s License Reinstatement:
  In some cases, a police report may be required to reinstate a driver’s license suspended after an accident.
• Record Keeping:
  Even if you aren’t filing a claim or pursuing a claim against the person who caused the accident, having a copy of the report for your personal records can be helpful in case of future disputes, medical issues, or inquiries.

How to Get a New York State Police Incident Report by Mail

To get a copy of your New York accident report, first you’ll need to download and complete form MV-198C, “Request for Copy of Accident Report,” via the DMV website. Mail the form with a photocopy of your ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the DMV address provided on the form.

How to Get a New York State Accident Report in Person

To get a copy of your report in person, you can visit a local DMV office and request a copy of the report in person. Bring a valid ID and any details you have about the accident.  If it’s within the first 30 days of the incident, you can obtain a copy in person for free from the responding State Police barracks.  If it has been more than 30 days, or you’re not able to go to the responding State Police barracks, you’ll have to get the report via the DMV and pay the fees.

How to Get a New York State Accident Report by Phone

New York State Police reports are not available by phone.  You’ll have to obtain your report via mail, in-person visit, or online.

How to Get a New York State Incident Report If Your Accident Occurred On the New York State Thruway

If your car, truck or motorcycle accident occurred on the New York State Thruway (I-87 South of Albany, I-90 West of Albany & the Berkshire Spur East of Albany) or the arterial roads that feed into a New York State Thruway (I-190 and Westchester County portions of both I-287 & I-95.) Obtaining a copy of the report in this case will follow a different process than accidents handled by New York State Police on other roads. Here’s what you need to do:

• Request Form:  You’ll need to complete form “TA-W4310: Request for Copy of Police Accident Report” provided by the New York State Thruway Authority.  This form can be downloaded from their website at New York Thruway Authority Accident Report.

Submission Methods:  The completed form can be submitted in several ways:

• Mail: Send the completed form along with the $15 search fee (payable by check, money order, or credit card) to the address listed on the form.
• Fax: Fax the completed form with your credit card information for the $15 fee to the designated fax number.
• Email: Scan the completed form and email it along with your credit card details for the fee to the provided email address.

Important Notes:

• Payment: The $15 search fee is non-refundable.
• Processing Time: Allow at least 4 weeks for processing your request.
• Contact Information: The Thruway Authority offers a phone number (518-471-4450) for any questions regarding the report request process.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a New York Accident Report?

The cost to obtain a New York accident report hat does not involve a New York State Thruway depends on the timeframe.  Within the first 30 days, your report will be free at the responding State Police barracks (if applicable).  After 30 days, you’ll need to go through the DMV with their fees.

Payment Options for New York State Police Accident Reports

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts several payment methods for accident reports obtained online or by mail:

• Credit Card:
  This is the most convenient option, allowing for immediate processing of your request. Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are typically accepted.
• Debit Card:
  Many debit cards with a valid Visa or Mastercard logo can also be used for online and mail transactions.
• Money Order:
  Money orders are a secure way to pay, particularly if you don’t have a credit card or prefer not to use it online. Make sure the money order is payable to the “New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.”

Important Note:
The DMV does not currently accept checks for online or mail transactions. However, checks may be an option for in-person requests at a DMV office. It’s recommended to call your local DMV branch to confirm their accepted payment methods before your visit.

How Long Does It Take To Get the New York Accident Report?

There’s also a waiting period to get your accident report.  Generally, reports are available within 30 days, but processing times can vary. Online searches and downloading your report may provide quicker results than trying to get your report by mail or in person.

What Documentation For New York State Police Report Lookup?

To obtain the report, you’ll need information & documentation such as the date and location of the accident.  A valid ID is also necessary for in person and mail-in requests.

What Does the New York State Police Accident Report Include?

A New York State Police accident report, also called an MV-104A form, contains several key pieces of information:

• Officer Information: This section identifies the State Troopers who responded to the accident, including their names and badge numbers.
• Vehicle Information: Details about all vehicles involved in the accident are included. This covers license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, and insurance information for each driver.
• Accident Narrative: The investigating Trooper provides a written account of the accident itself. This narrative describes the events leading up to the accident, the sequence of events, and the contributing factors as determined by the officer.
• Scene Diagram: If applicable, the report will include a diagram sketched by the Trooper to illustrate the location of the vehicles and any relevant details about the accident scene.
• Injuries: The report may include information on any injuries sustained in the accident, but the extent of detail will vary.
• Charges: If citations were issued to any party involved in the accident, details of the charges will be included in the report.

It’s important to remember that the specific information included in the report may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Navigating the process of obtaining a New York State Police accident report can be confusing. If you’ve been in an accident and need help navigating the legal aspects of your case, contact Cohen and Cohen Law Group of New York City today. Our experienced attorneys can advise you on your rights and ensure you have a strong understanding of the accident report and how it applies to your situation.