If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York, obtaining a copy of the accident report is one of the first and most critical steps in building a strong personal injury case. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, construction accident, or pedestrian incident, your accident report holds essential details that can make or break your claim.
At Griss Law Group, PLLC, our team of Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys has guided hundreds of clients through this process. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to obtain your accident report in New York City, what information is included, how it’s used in a personal injury case, and how our law firm can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why the Accident Report Matters in a Personal Injury Claim
An accident report—often referred to as a police report or MV-104A (in vehicle cases)—provides a third-party, objective account of what occurred. It is typically prepared by law enforcement or emergency services that responded to the scene. This document:
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Details the time, location, and circumstances of the accident
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Includes statements from involved parties and witnesses
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Identifies vehicles and individuals involved
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Notes any injuries observed at the scene
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Offers preliminary assessments of fault
Insurance companies rely heavily on these reports during claim evaluations. Experienced New York Personal Injury Lawyers know how to interpret and use them to strengthen your claim and prove liability.
Different Types of Accident Reports in New York
The report you need depends on the type of accident:
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Motor Vehicle Accident Reports: Completed by the NYPD, local police, or state troopers and filed with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
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Slip and Fall or Premises Liability Reports: These may be incident reports created by property owners, store managers, or security personnel.
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Construction Site Accident Reports: Often include OSHA reports, employer incident forms, or union filings.
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Workplace Accidents: May require employer-generated reports under workers’ compensation law.
At Griss Law Group, our Injury Attorneys in NYC can help you identify which report applies to your specific case and how to retrieve it quickly.
How to Obtain a Motor Vehicle Accident Report in New York
If you were involved in a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle, follow these steps:
1. Request from the Local Police Department
If the NYPD or a local police precinct responded to the scene, your first step is to visit the precinct where the accident occurred. Reports are typically available 5 to 7 business days after the incident. Bring the following:
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A valid photo ID
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The date and location of the accident
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The names of any involved parties
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Plate number of involved vehicles (if available)
2. Online via Collision Report Retrieval Portal
The NYPD Collision Report Portal allows individuals to search for and download accident reports within 30 days of the crash. You’ll need:
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A collision report number
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The date of the crash
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Details of involved parties
Visit: https://collisionreport.nypdonline.org/
3. New York DMV Records Request
After 30 days, accident reports are transferred to the New York State DMV. You can request them by mail or online:
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Visit https://dmv.ny.gov
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Complete Form MV-198C (Request for Copy of Accident Report)
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Pay the required fee (around $15)
What if You Were Not Driving?
Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or anyone injured in the accident can still request a copy of the report. Your attorney at Griss Law Group, PLLC can handle the request on your behalf, ensuring that all proper documentation and steps are followed to avoid delays.
Getting a Copy of a Slip and Fall Incident Report
If your injury occurred at a supermarket, hotel, apartment building, or business, you’ll need to request a premises liability incident report from the property owner or manager. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Contact the business or property management company
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Ask if an incident report was filed
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Formally request a copy in writing
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Include the date, time, and location of the accident
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Retain a copy for your personal records
Note: Businesses may refuse to release these reports without a subpoena or legal request. That’s where having a Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firm like ours makes a difference—we have the authority to compel document production during litigation.
How Attorneys Use Accident Reports in a Personal Injury Claim
Accident reports serve as a foundation for your claim. Here’s how our legal team uses them:
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Establishing fault: Reports may include officer opinions on liability.
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Corroborating your story: The report supports your version of events.
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Identifying witnesses: Names and contact info help us build testimony.
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Connecting to insurance: Helps us deal directly with the at-fault party’s insurer.
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Supporting settlement negotiation: Strengthens demand letters and increases payout value.
When a Report Contains Errors – What You Can Do
It’s not uncommon for an accident report to contain mistakes. Whether it’s a wrong date, incorrect license plate, or misstatement of facts, it’s essential to act fast. We can assist with:
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Filing a correction request with the responding agency
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Gathering photographic or video evidence to support changes
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Submitting sworn affidavits from witnesses
The Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys at Griss Law Group are skilled at challenging inaccuracies that could harm your case.
Time Matters – Don’t Delay
Waiting too long to retrieve your accident report could delay your claim or even lead to crucial evidence being lost. Here’s why timing is key:
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Reports are only accessible for a limited period online
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Insurance companies often demand reports early
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Filing a lawsuit without documentation is difficult
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Memories fade—facts on record are crucial
Common FAQs About Accident Reports in New York
Do I need a lawyer to get my report?
Not necessarily, but having a lawyer helps ensure accuracy and proper documentation for your case.
Is there a cost involved?
Police precincts typically offer one free copy. DMV requests usually require a small fee.
What if no police came to the scene?
You’re required to file your own report (MV-104) within 10 days if the accident involved injury or over $1,000 in property damage.
How long does it take to get the report?
5–7 business days from the precinct; DMV may take up to two weeks.
Why Choose Griss Law Group to Handle Your Injury Case?
At Griss Law Group, PLLC, we’re not just any Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firm—we are fierce advocates for accident victims across New York City. With years of experience handling complex injury claims, we offer:
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Free consultations and case evaluations
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Thorough accident report analysis
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Aggressive negotiation with insurers
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Top-rated litigation if a lawsuit is needed
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A track record of winning high-value settlements
Contact Us Today for Help with Your Accident Report and Injury Claim
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident—whether on the road, at work, or on someone else’s property—don’t wait. Your recovery, both physical and financial, depends on taking the right steps early.
Let our team of Injury Attorneys in NYC get to work on your behalf. We’ll handle your accident report, launch a full investigation, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Call Griss Law Group, PLLC today at (718) 561-1111 for a free, no-obligation consultation or fill out our online contact form to get started with a Free Case Evaluation. Let us stand by your side and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
