Yes, under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 605, if you were injured or if the accident causes property damage over $1,000, you’re required to file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident with the DMV (Form MV-104). You have a 10-day deadline from the date of the accident. This requirement applies even if a police officer responded to the accident and filed their own report. Missing the deadline could lead to a suspended license or other penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Filing an MV-104 with the DMV is required when a motor vehicle accident causes an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
- You have 10 days to file, regardless of whether the police responded and wrote their own report.
- Failing to file is a misdemeanor. It can result in a suspended or revoked license and suspended vehicle registration until the report is submitted.
Why Do You Need to File if a Police Report Already Exists?
Many drivers assume that when an officer responds to the scene of a crash, a report is filed and the obligation ends there. That’s not the case. The officer’s report and your MV-104 serve different purposes.
The police report is both an administrative and investigative record. It includes information like their findings on the scene. Your report is mostly an administrative record. It documents that you complied with your legal reporting duty, and it might be requested by your insurer or referenced in your claim.
A Long Island Accident Attorney Can File a Report for You
An incomplete or inconsistent MV-104 could create problems if your case turns into an injury claim. If you have been involved in an accident in Suffolk County or Nassau County, a Long Island accident attorney can file the report for you. Calling an accident attorney early will ensure that your report is accurate, filed within the deadline, and consistent with the rest of your claim record. It’s also one less thing that you need to worry about when recovering from an accident.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney Today
The 10-day window moves fast, and it doesn’t wait for you to recover. If you have been injured in a crash anywhere on Long Island, The Raimondo Law Firm is ready to help. We will ensure that your MV-104 is filed properly and on time, while reviewing all details of your case and preparing for a potential injury claim.
Our experienced personal injury team is ready to fight for your rights and provide the legal support you need. Consultations and case reviews are free, and we work on a contingency basis. Contact a personal injury and accident lawyer at (631) 471-1222 today.