HKGLogo_blue.png
Call 800-PAIN-LAW or dial #PAIN

How to Request a Police Report in New York City

Last modified on

How to Request a Police Report in New York City

After a car crash, your first priority is your health and safety, but don’t forget to protect your legal rights. Police reports can provide critical, unbiased information in a personal injury case, especially if the person who injured you disputes what happened or who caused the accident.

The New York personal injury attorneys at Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb often use police reports as evidence in these cases, as they provide a neutral account of what happened. Knowing how to request a police report related to your case can help you find the evidence you need to secure fair compensation for your injuries. If you have ever wondered how to request a police report in New York City, this guide will show you.

Different Types of Police Reports in New York City

If you need a police report for a personal injury case in New York, the first step is identifying the type of report you need. The New York Police Department (NYPD) can provide different types of reports for different incidents, and those reports include:

  • Verification of Incident: A Verification of Incident report typically involves criminal activities and cases of lost property. Did you find yourself injured due to a drunk driver’s recklessness or fall victim to a hit-and-run? This is the report you need, as it provides a detailed account of the incident.
  • Aided Records: If you suffered injuries in a non-collision event and the NYPD came to your aid, then the Aided Records report is what you need. This report meticulously documents how the NYPD helped you and the circumstances leading to the injury.
  • Motor Vehicle Collision Reports: Car accidents are a part of life in any major city, and New York is no exception. When these accidents occur, the Motor Vehicle Collision Report is vital evidence for those involved. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision, this report captures the specifics of the crash.

Options for Requesting a New York Police Report

How to Request a Police Report in New York City 2The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies offer numerous ways to request official records related to a car accident or other incident. Those options include:

Online

In many cases, the fastest way to obtain a police report in New York is to request one online. The NYPD’s Collision Report Retrieval Portal allows you to search for accident reports based on when the crash occurred, where it occurred, license plate numbers, dates of birth, or other factors. If you need a Verification of Incident report, you can request it from the NYPD online database. Finally, if you sustained injuries in a collision outside city limits or another agency besides the NYPD investigated that crash, the New York DMV has instructions for requesting reports online.

By Mail

The NYPD and other New York law enforcement agencies often accept records requests by mail. For NYPD collision reports, you must complete two copies of the Request for Copy of Collision Record form and mail them to the precinct where the incident took place. (You can find the details about your local police precinct here.) Unfortunately, it appears the New York DMV does not currently accept records requests by mail. If you need an Aided Records report from the NYPD, you can request the report by mail. Send two copies of the records request form and a self-addressed envelope to the following address:

  • NYPD/Criminal Records Unit (Aided Unit)
  • 375 Pearl Street
  • Suite 4, 16th Floor
  • New York, NY 10038

The mailing address for Verification of Incident reports is slightly different. If you need one of these reports, complete two copies of the records request form and send them, along with a self-addressed envelope, to the following address:

  • NYPD/Criminal Records Unit
  • 375 Pearl Street
  • Suite 4, 16th Floor
  • New York, NY 10038

In Person

The NYPD does not allow you to retrieve Verification of Incident or Aided Records reports in person. However, you can request collision reports in person. These reports are available for 30 days after being filed at the closest precinct to where the crash took place. After that, these records are only available online through the New York DMV. To request a crash report in person, take two complete copies of the Request for Copy of Collision Record form to your local NYPD precinct.

Having Trouble Finding a New York Police Report? We Can Help

After a car crash or other incident, you have more important things to do than deal with police bureaucracy and paperwork. The New York personal injury attorneys from Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb can handle these records requests and build your case while you recuperate from your injuries. Call 800-724-6529 today or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.

Related posts

How to Correct Wrong Information on a Police Report in New York

Take Photos at the Scene of an Accident

What Information You Should Exchange after a Car Accident

Talk to us! Book an appointment!

Injured in an accident?
Get a free consultation today!

Contact us

Contact Us

"*" indicates required fields

Frequently Asked Questions

When you have suffered an injury, it can be difficult to know what to do next. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, filing a personal injury claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the maximum possible compensation.

The first step is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They will be able to review the facts of your case and advise you on whether or not you have a valid claim. Even if you do not have a strong case, an attorney may still be able to help you recover damages through negotiation with the other party’s insurance company. If your case does go to court, the judge will consider various factors in order to determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation. These factors can include the severity of your injury, the cost of your medical bills, and the amount of time you missed from work.

The answer depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, the insurance coverage available, and the type of accident. In general, however, if you have suffered a serious injury that will require extensive medical treatment or result in long-term disability, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your legal options. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a personal injury attorney. First, you want to make sure that the attorney has experience handling cases like yours. Second, you want to make sure that the attorney is licensed to practice in your state. Third, you want to ask about the attorney’s success rate. Fourth, you want to make sure that the attorney has a good reputation. Finally, you want to make sure that you feel comfortable with the attorney. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a free consultation to determine if we are the best choice for your case.

Once we decide to take on your case, we will then begin gathering evidence and investigating the accident. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and obtaining medical records. Once we have gathered all the necessary information, we will then work with you to build a strong legal case. If an agreement can’t be reached out of court, our attorney will then take your case to trial. Throughout the entire process, your attorney will be by your side, fighting for the compensation you deserve.