You might need a copy of a Queens, NY, car accident report for a few reasons. If you are trying to gain compensation through an insurance company, an accident report might be necessary. Some people also like to keep a copy on file in their personal records.
The good news is that obtaining an official copy of a Queens, NY, accident report is a quick and easy process. Here’s what you need to know.
Reporting a Queens, NY, Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Queens, NY, you’re only required to call the police in certain cases. These include the following situations:
- A person is injured or killed
- Property damage is over $1000, and the owner is present
- Property damage of any amount when the owner is not present
If you’ve been involved in a minor accident and damage seems minimal, it can be tempting for both parties to avoid the hassle of involving the police. This can be a big mistake.
Any time a Queens car accident occurs, the smart move is to call the police and wait for an officer to complete an official accident report. Having an official report on file protects your insurance claim.
Obtaining a Queens Accident Report at the Police Station
Once a police officer has come to the scene and taken down the information, you’ll receive a copy of the incident report. This is sometimes also referred to as the receipt, and you may need to provide it to obtain a copy of your accident report.
When you need an accident report shortly after the accident, you can obtain a copy at a Queens police station. Police stations in New York can provide you with an accident report for the first 30 days after the accident. However, it may take three to five business days for the report to be available.
The fastest way to get your accident report is to bring along your copy of the incident report that the investigating officer gave you. If you’ve misplaced this paper, you’ll need to provide personal information, including:
- Your full legal name
- The date of the accident
- The time and location of the accident
- The license plate number of one of the vehicles
With this information, the clerk should be able to locate a copy of your report in the system.
Another option is to use the NYPD’s online portal. Reports may not be available here for seven business days. Just visit the website and complete the form to request an online collision report.
Obtaining a Queens Accident Report Through the DMV
Police stations in Queens, NY, maintain collision reports on file for 30 days after the accident and then forward the information to the New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
If it has been more than 30 days since your accident, you’ll need to obtain a report through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
You can obtain a copy through the DMV website. You’ll need to provide either the license plate number of a vehicle involved in the accident or the DMV case number that appears on the incident report. The DMV charges a $22 fee for online accident reports.
You can also obtain a copy of a Queens car accident report by mail. You’ll need to print and complete a Request for Copy of Collision Record form and include a $25 payment for a hard copy of the accident report.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Queens, NY
A car accident attorney can obtain a car accident report on your behalf as part of an insurance claim or lawsuit. If you need legal assistance, contact the Queens car accident lawyers at Oresky & Associates, PLLC at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
We have two convenient locations in New York:
Oresky & Associates, PLLC – Queens Office
104-09 Roosevelt Ave
Queens, NY 11368
(347) 507-3884
Oresky & Associates, PLLC – Bronx Office
149 E 149th St
Bronx, NY 10451
(718) 993-9999
