How to Get an NYPD Collision Report: A Step-by-Step Guide

Under New York Public Officers Law section 87, a person may request copies of records held by a police department, including a written report prepared by an officer who responded to a motor vehicle collision. This report, often called a police accident report or collision report, documents the officers observations, the parties involved, and the basic facts of the incident. Knowing how the request process works can save time when a report is needed for insurance or legal purposes.

What Is an NYPD Collision Report?

When New York City police officers respond to a motor vehicle collision, they typically complete a standardized form summarizing the location, vehicles, drivers, witnesses, and any visible injuries or damage. This document is separate from the report a driver may be required to file with the Department of Motor Vehicles under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 605, which addresses accidents involving injury, death, or property damage. The NYPD version is created independently by the responding officer and becomes part of the department's records.

Who May Request a Copy?

Generally, anyone involved in the collision, such as a driver, passenger, or property owner, may request the report. Insurance companies and attorneys representing a party to the incident may also request copies, usually with proof of their role in the matter. Because the report is a police record, it is treated as subject to disclosure rules under the Freedom of Information Law unless a specific exemption applies, such as an ongoing criminal investigation.

How to Request the Report Online

The New York City Police Department maintains an online portal where individuals can search for and order a copy of a collision report using details such as the date of the incident, the location, and the names of those involved. The steps generally include:

1. Locating the NYPD's online records request system for traffic collision reports.
2. Entering the date, borough, and parties' information exactly as they appear on the responding officer's paperwork.
3. Paying any applicable processing fee through the portal, if required.
4. Downloading or receiving the report once it has been processed and approved.

Search results depend on accurate information, so having the exact date and location of the collision on hand before beginning the request will make the process smoother.

How to Request the Report by Mail or In Person

For those who prefer not to use the online system, or when the online search does not locate the report, a written request can be submitted to the NYPD's records division. This typically involves completing a request form, describing the incident with as much detail as possible, and submitting it by mail or in person at the appropriate office. Processing by mail generally takes longer than an online request, and confirmation of receipt is not always immediate.

What If the Report Is Not Yet Available?

Police accident reports are not always available immediately after a collision. Officers need time to complete their paperwork and submit it through internal review before it is entered into the searchable database. If a report cannot be located shortly after the incident, waiting a reasonable period and then repeating the online search is usually the appropriate next step before submitting a formal written request.

What Information Will the Report Contain?

A typical NYPD collision report includes the date, time, and location of the incident, a description of the vehicles and any visible damage, the names and contact information of drivers and witnesses, and a brief narrative from the responding officer. It may also note whether any citations were issued or whether an ambulance was called to the scene. The report does not determine fault as a matter of law, though its contents are often reviewed by insurance adjusters and courts when a dispute arises.

Deadlines to Keep in Mind

Several deadlines can affect a matter involving a motor vehicle collision, and the shortest applicable deadline is the one that controls. Claims that involve a public entity, such as the City of New York or the NYPD itself, are subject to a notice of claim requirement under General Municipal Law section 50-e. This notice period is considerably shorter than the general personal injury limitations period that applies to claims against private individuals or companies. Missing this shorter notice window can bar a claim entirely, regardless of how much time might otherwise remain under the ordinary statute of limitations. Anyone dealing with a collision involving a city vehicle, officer, or agency should treat the notice of claim deadline as the operative one and confirm the applicable time frame as early as possible.

This article is general information about New York law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The law changes and how it applies depends on the specific facts. Speak with a lawyer about your own situation.