How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in New York

After a car accident anywhere in New York, — especially if anyone was injured — someone calls the police. If you were involved in the crash, you’ll want to get a copy of the police report.

By Mail:

Download and complete the MV-198C form (Application for Copy of Accident Report) from the New York DMV website. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Send it by mail to the address shown on the form.

Online:

Visit the corresponding County Police Department website to check if there is a way to request police reports online.

📍 If the accident happened in NYC, request a copy online through the New York Police Collision Report Recovery Portal.

📍 If the crash took place on a freeway, you must request the report from the New York State Highway Authority. Use the form TA-W4310.

How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in New York.

2. Be Cautious when Using Websites to Obtain the Crash Police Report:

Some websites let you to search for accident reports across the entire state of New York. They will ask you to enter crash information. Have the report number, the name of a person or people involved in the accident or a date range handy. Once you find the report, you have to pay a fee to download it.

👉 We recommend that you:

• 🔒 Verify the Website’s Legitimacy. Before entering any personal information on a website, make sure it is official and secure. Look for a padlock icon in the address bar and make sure the address URL begins with HTTPS.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Read their Privacy Policy. Familiarize yourself with the website’s privacy policies to understand how your personal information is handled.
• 🧑🏻‍💼Talk to a car accident lawyer near you. If you have doubts about getting a copy of the police report or need legal advice, speak with an experienced traffic accident lawyer.

In a nutshell, prioritize the safety of your personal data. Look for official and reliable sources to obtain information about car accidents.

Safer and More Reliable Ways to Get a Copy of the Police Report for a Car Accident in New York

1. Local Police Department: The best option is to go directly to the police department where the accident took place. They have the official records and can provide you with a copy of the report safely and at a lower cost.
2. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): In many states, the DMV also has access to police crash reports. You can request a copy directly from them, either in person, by mail or online.
3. Insurance company: Are you filing a claim with your insurance company? Your insurer can request a copy of the police report on your behalf.
4. Consider hiring a lawyer. Was the accident quite involved? Were there severe injuries? Are you having a hard time obtaining a copy of the police report? A New York accident attorney is an excellent option. Car accident lawyers can also get a copy of the police report on your behalf. And if it has inaccurate information, they’ll make sure it gets corrected.

📌 Important notes:

• Police reports are usually available within 30 days of the accident.
• You may be charged a fee for obtaining a copy of the report.
• You should have all the relevant accident information handy. For example, the date, time, exact location and the names of those involved in the crash.

How Much Does a Crash Police Report Cost?

➤ In Hauppauge, NY, the cost of a police report for a car accident is around $22.

This includes:

$7 service fee

$15 report fee

💡 Remember: These prices may be subject to change.

▻ We recommend contacting the County Police Department. Or visiting their official website for the most up-to-date information on the application process and costs.

Why You Need a Police Report

A police report is a crucial document after a motor vehicle accident. It can be used to:

• File a Claim with your insurance company: The report provides an official version of the facts, essential to back up your claim.
• File a lawsuit: If you choose to take legal action, the police report is important evidence.
• Document the injuries: The report may detail the harm suffered and the conditions surrounding the accident.

🏛 If you have any questions or need additional assistance, speak with a car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of obtaining a police report and filing a claim.

👉 Questions? A car accident lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you file a claim.

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