FAQs: Car Accident Reports in New York

August 19, 2026 / Car Accidents

Hundreds of thousands of car accidents occur across New York each year. In fact, New York City alone recently saw 6,660 accidents in one month. Most drivers never expect to be in an accident, so the time immediately after one can be scary and confusing. 

Understanding the basics of car accident reports in New York can help ensure you follow all the rules and protect your legal rights.

Am I Required to Report a Car Accident in New York?

Yes, most car accidents in New York must be reported. 

You are required to report your accident if the accident causes:

• Injury
• Death
• Property damage of more than $1,000

If an accident results in injury or death, you should immediately call 911 and notify the police. 

However, you don’t have to call the police after an accident resulting in only property damage. If the property damage exceeds $1,000, you must still report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In that situation, you must complete a Report of Motor Vehicle Crash (MV-104) within 10 days of the accident.

How Do I Report a Car Accident in New York?

Most car accidents are reported by calling the police right away. The officer who responds to the accident will handle all necessary reporting requirements. If your accident did not result in injuries, you may decide not to call the police. However, you are still required to report the accident in most cases.

If the police are not called, you must report the accident using a Report of Motor Vehicle Crash form. This form must be completed, signed, and sent to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days after the crash.

What Happens if I Don’t Report a Car Accident?

If you fail to report a car accident, you might not be able to get any compensation for your damages. Even worse, you could find yourself in some legal trouble. 

Drivers who fail to properly report an accident can face:

• Fines
• License suspension
• Denied insurance coverage

Reporting an accident in New York is very straightforward, and it is also the law. After an accident, you should always make sure that you comply with the reporting rules so that you do not get into additional legal trouble.

How Do I Request a Copy of My Car Accident Report?

If you file an insurance claim, you will likely need to get a copy of the accident report. Additionally, the accident report can be extremely beneficial if you need to file a personal injury claim after an accident. If you need to get a copy of your report, the process may vary slightly depending on which police agency responded to your accident.

Generally, you can request your accident report online, by mail, or in person at the New York DMV. You may also be able to get a copy from the local police department that responded to your accident. Finally, you may contact the New York State Police if they responded to and investigated your accident scene.

What to Do After a Car Accident in New York

Even though New York is a no-fault state for car accidents, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver if your injuries are severe. Knowing what to do after your accident can help protect your legal rights and help preserve your right to recover compensation.

After an accident, you should:

• Call the police to report the accident.
• Take photos of all the vehicles.
• Get immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
• Obtain names and phone numbers from all witnesses.
• Seek help from an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Most accidents in New York must be reported, so calling the police after your accident is almost always the right thing to do. 

Contact the New York Car Accident Lawyers at Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC for a Free Consultation

Although you may not be required to report every car accident that occurs in New York, a formal report that documents your crash can become important evidence if the crash leads to a personal injury claim. Whether or not you have a car accident report for your wreck, an attorney can help you gather important evidence to support your claim for damages. 

For more information, call the experienced New York car accident lawyers at Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC for a free consultation.

When you need trusted legal guidance after an accident, remember one number: 212-CARRION.