How to Get a Car Accident Report in New York: Step-by-Step

After a car accident, obtaining the official police report is one of the most important steps you can take. This document contains key information about the collision, including who was involved, when and where it occurred, the officer’s observations, and statements from witnesses. Insurance companies rely heavily on it, and it often becomes a central piece of evidence in legal claims. At Levitsky Law Firm, we help injury victims in Brooklyn and throughout New York access the documents and legal support they need to pursue full and fair compensation.

Step 1: Know Which Police Agency Responded

In New York, the agency that handled your crash determines where and how you’ll get your report. Accidents within city streets are usually handled by the New York Police Department (NYPD). If the crash occurred on a parkway or state route, the New York State Police may have responded instead.

At the scene, the responding officer typically provides a card with the precinct or troop number and a report reference. If you did not receive one, reviewing any paperwork or noting which uniformed officers were present can help. A qualified car accident attorney can help identify the correct agency and initiate the request process for your report.

Step 2: Allow Time for the Report to Be Filed

Accident reports do not become available immediately. It typically takes 7 to 10 business days for the report to be entered into the system. More complex crashes, such as those involving multiple vehicles or severe injuries, may require additional processing time.

Even while the report is pending, you should begin protecting your rights. At Levitsky Law Firm, we can start reviewing your case and preserving evidence right away. Please contact us as soon as possible to ensure that no critical deadlines are missed.

Step 3: Request the Report

Once the report is ready, you can request it in several ways:

• Online via the New York State DMV Crash Report site
• In person or by mail through the NYPD or State Police, depending on who filed it

To locate your report, you will need identifying information such as:

• The names of the people involved
• The date and location of the crash
• The precinct or police agency
• The report number (if available)

If you’re unsure where to start, our team can assist you in requesting the documents. An auto accident lawyer at our firm can take over this process entirely and ensure the records are complete, accurate, and delivered promptly.

Step 4: Review the Report for Accuracy

Once you receive the report, do not assume that everything in it is correct. These documents often contain shorthand, codes, and narrative summaries that may overlook or misrepresent essential details. Even minor errors can impact how insurers view liability.

A car accident attorney can help you review the report line by line. If something is incorrect, such as the road conditions, vehicle placement, or version of events, we can guide you in submitting a correction or adding a supplemental statement.

Step 5: Use the Report to Strengthen Your Claim

The accident report is a key component of both insurance negotiations and personal injury lawsuits. It can help establish fault, document injuries, and confirm property damage. However, the report alone is not enough to build a strong case. Supporting evidence such as medical records, photographs, and eyewitness testimony is also necessary.

At Levitsky Law Firm, we build a case around your accident report and combine it with a thorough legal strategy to maximize your compensation. If you want to see how we’ve helped others in similar situations, visit our results page.

Step 6: Do Not Delay Your Legal Options

New York law imposes strict deadlines on personal injury claims. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a claim. However, if a public agency or city vehicle was involved, the deadline to file a notice of claim may be just 90 days. Starting the legal process early ensures your accident report and other key evidence are preserved.

An experienced NYC auto accident attorney can manage these timelines for you and take legal action before opportunities are lost. Our attorneys handle every part of the process, from document requests to courtroom representation so that you can focus on healing.

Trusted Guidance Throughout Your Recovery

Getting an accident report is just the beginning. What you do with it matters even more. At Levitsky Law Firm, we help clients across Brooklyn and New York use their crash reports to support strong, results-driven claims. From insurance negotiations to litigation, we are here to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an attorney who will treat your case with the urgency and attention it deserves.