Manhattan Auto Accident Lawyer: How to Fill an Accident Report Form?

Filling out an accident report form accurately and thoroughly is necessary to ensure proper documentation and facilitate any subsequent legal or insurance processes. In New York, specific procedures and requirements must be followed when reporting a motor vehicle accident. Get legal assistance from a proven and accomplished Manhattan auto accident attorney to accomplish the procedures accurately and protect your right to compensation from the negligent driver that caused your accident.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out an Accident Report Form in New York

Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

Before you start filling out the form, ensure you have all the necessary information:

• Personal Details: Full names, addresses, and contact information of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses involved in the accident.
• Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
• Insurance Information: Insurance company names and policy numbers for all drivers.
• Accident Details: Date, time, and exact location of the accident. Note any relevant road conditions, weather conditions, and traffic signals.

Step 2: Obtain the Correct Form

In New York, the form required for reporting a motor vehicle accident is the MV-104 form. This form must be completed and submitted to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if the accident results in:

• Death
• Personal injury
• Property damage exceeding $1,000

You can obtain the MV-104 form from the New York DMV website or at any DMV office.

Step 3: Complete the MV-104 Form

The MV-104 form is divided into several sections. Here’s how to fill out each section:

Section 1: Accident Information

• Date and Time of Accident: Fill in the exact date and time the accident occurred.
• Location: Provide detailed information about the location, including the street name, intersection, and city.

Section 2: Your Information

• Driver Information: Enter your name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license number.
• Vehicle Information: Include your vehicle’s make, model, year, color, and license plate number.
• Insurance Information: Provide the name of your insurance company and your policy number.

Section 3: Other Driver(s) Information

• Driver Information: Include the same details for the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
• Vehicle Information: Provide the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of the other vehicle(s).
• Insurance Information: Enter the insurance company name and policy number for the other driver(s).

Section 4: Accident Description

• Narrative: Describe the accident in detail, explaining how it occurred. Be clear and concise.
• Diagram: Draw a diagram of the accident scene. Include the positions of all vehicles before and after the accident, the direction of travel, and any relevant road features like traffic signals or stop signs.

Section 5: Injuries and Damage

• Injuries: List any injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Include names and a brief description of the injuries.
• Damage: Describe the damage to all vehicles involved. Be specific about the location and extent of the damage.

Section 6: Witnesses

• Witness Information: Provide the names, addresses, and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

Step 4: Review and Sign

• Review: Carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure it is accurate and complete.
• Sign: Sign and date the form. Your signature certifies that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Step 5: Submit the Form

• Submission: Submit the completed MV-104 form to the New York DMV within the specified timeframe (10 days from the date of the accident).
• Copy: Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Additional Tips

• Accuracy: Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays or complications in the processing of your report.
• Timeliness: Submit the form within the required timeframe to comply with New York State laws.
• Legal Advice: If you are unsure about any part of the form or the reporting process, consider seeking legal advice to ensure proper compliance and protection of your rights.

Sample MV-104 Auto Accident Report Form to Submit for a Car Crash in Manhattan

Here is an example of a completed accident report form prepared by skilled auto accident attorneys in Manhattan for your understanding:

Accident Information

• Date and Time of Accident: June 15, 2024, at 3:45 pm
• Location: Intersection of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, Manhattan, NY

Your Information

• Name: John A. Doe
• Address: 123 East 45th Street, Apartment 4B, New York, NY 10017
• Date of Birth: January 1, 1980
• Driver’s License Number: NY1234567
• Vehicle Make/Model/Year: Toyota Camry 2020
• Vehicle Color: Blue
• License Plate Number: ABC1234
• Insurance Company: New York Mutual Insurance Co.
• Policy Number: NYMI-789456

Other Driver’s Information

• Name: Jane B. Smith
• Address: 456 West 34th Street, Apartment 7C, New York, NY 10001
• Date of Birth: March 5, 1985
• Driver’s License Number: NY7654321
• Vehicle Make/Model/Year: Honda Accord 2018
• Vehicle Color: Red
• License Plate Number: XYZ5678
• Insurance Company: Empire State Insurance
• Policy Number: ESI-123789

Accident Description

• Narrative: I was traveling southbound on 5th Avenue and entered the intersection at 42nd Street on a green light. The other vehicle, a red Honda Accord driven by Jane B. Smith, was traveling eastbound on 42nd Street and ran a red light, colliding with the passenger side of my vehicle.
• Diagram: [A simple sketch showing 5th Avenue and 42nd Street intersection, the positions of both cars before and after the collision, and the traffic signals.]

Injuries and Damage

• Injuries:
  • John A. Doe: Minor cuts on the arm, neck pain.
  • Jane B. Smith: Bruised knee, slight concussion.
  • Passenger in John’s car (Anna Doe): Whiplash, minor head injury.
• Damage:
  • Toyota Camry: Significant damage to the passenger side doors and front bumper.
  • Honda Accord: Front end damage, including the hood and headlights.

Witnesses

• Witness 1:

• Name: Robert C. Johnson
• Address: 789 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
• Contact Information: (212) 555-6789
• Witness 2:

• Name: Emily L. Brown
• Address: 321 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011
• Contact Information: (646) 555-1234

Review and Sign

• Review: I have reviewed all the information provided and confirm its accuracy.
• Signature: John A. Doe
• Date: June 16, 2024

Submission

• Submission Method: Form submitted online via the New York DMV website on June 16, 2024.
• Copy: Retained a digital copy for personal records.

Steps to Correct Mistakes on Your Submitted Auto Accident Form

If you made any mistake in the auto accident form and submitted to the New York DMV already, it is possible to have the error rectified either directly or with help from your car accident lawyer in Manhattan. Here are the steps to follow in this case:

1. Gather Correct Information: Before you proceed, make sure you have all the correct information that needs to be updated or corrected on your accident form.
2. Contact the DMV:
   1. Visit a local DMV office in person or call the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. You can find the contact information and locations on the New York DMV website.
   1. Explain the situation to the representative. Inform them that you have submitted an MV-104 Auto Accident Report and need to correct some information.
3. Request Instructions:
   1. Ask the DMV representative for specific instructions on how to correct the errors. They may provide a form or direct you to write a letter explaining the mistakes and the correct information.
4. Prepare a Corrective Statement:
   1. If instructed to write a letter, include the following details:
      1. Your full name and contact information.
      1. Your driver’s license number.
      1. The date of the accident.
      1. A clear statement identifying the errors in the original report and the correct information.
      1. Any supporting documentation that verifies the correct information.
5. Submit Corrective Documentation:
   1. Submit the corrective statement or form to the DMV as instructed. This may be done in person, by mail, or online, depending on the DMV’s procedures.
6. Retain Copies:
   1. Keep copies of all correspondence and documents you submit to the DMV for your records. This will help you track the correction process and provide evidence if needed.

Example of a Corrective Statement Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles [DMV Office Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request a correction to my previously submitted MV-104 Auto Accident Report for the accident that occurred on June 15, 2024, at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, NY. My driver’s license number is NY1234567.

The original report contains the following errors:

1. Error: Incorrect license plate number for my vehicle.
   1. Correction: The correct license plate number is ABC1234.
2. Error: Incorrect date of birth for the other driver.
   1. Correction: The correct date of birth for Jane B. Smith is March 5, 1985.

I have enclosed copies of the corrected information and any supporting documents. Please update the accident report to reflect these corrections.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

Follow-Up

• After submitting the correction, follow up with the DMV to ensure the changes have been made.
• Monitor your records to confirm that the corrected information is accurately reflected.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your accident report is accurate and up-to-date, helping to avoid any potential complications related to the errors in your initial submission.

Importance of an Accurately Completed Accident Report Form for Your Car Accident in Manhattan

The Role of the Accident Report Form

• Official Documentation: The accident report serves as an official document that details the circumstances of the accident. It provides a comprehensive account of what happened, including the time, location, and parties involved. This official record is crucial for both insurance companies and legal proceedings.
• Evidence for Liability: An accurately completed report can establish who was at fault in the accident. It includes statements from the involved parties, witness accounts, and sometimes even preliminary assessments by law enforcement officers. This evidence is vital in proving negligence and liability in your personal injury claim.
• Verification of Injuries and Damages: The report can document the immediate aftermath of the accident, including any visible injuries or damages to vehicles. This documentation helps to verify the extent of injuries and damages, which is essential for calculating compensation.

Impact on Your Personal Injury Claim

• Strengthening Your Case: An accurate accident report strengthens your personal injury claim by providing clear evidence of the accident and its impact. This can be crucial in negotiations with insurance companies or in court.
• Facilitating Insurance Claims: Insurance companies rely on accident reports to assess claims. A detailed and accurate report can expedite the claims process and help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Supporting Legal Action: If your case goes to court, the accident report will be a key piece of evidence. A well-documented report can support your claims and help your attorney build a strong case against the negligent driver.
• Avoiding Disputes: Inaccuracies or omissions in the accident report can lead to disputes over fault and damages. By ensuring that the report is accurate and comprehensive, you reduce the risk of such disputes and strengthen your position in the claim process.

Our Skilled and Resourceful Manhattan, NY Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Will Recover the Largest Compensation for You

If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Manhattan, don’t settle for less. With over $1 billion won for injured New Yorkers and a proven success rate of over 95%, Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP is your top-rated Manhattan auto accident law firm. For four generations, our legal team has been relentless in securing the maximum compensation for our clients.

Whether you are facing catastrophic injuries or dealing with a wrongful death claim, trust our top-tier Manhattan car accident lawyers to fight aggressively on your behalf. Reach out to us today and let our winning team turn your case into a victory. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-344-1000 or contact us online.