Recent Blog Posts
Can a Passenger File an Accident Report in New York?
Passengers can be seriously affected by a car accident even though they were not behind the wheel. They may suffer injuries, speak with police, provide information to insurers, and receive medical treatment long after the collision. A passenger may also have a clearer view of a traffic signal, another vehicle’s movement, or what happened… Read More »
How Long Should You Keep Accident Records After Filing an MV-104?
Filing Form MV-104 satisfies an important reporting requirement under New York law. It should not be the last step in documenting the accident. Photographs, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, medical records, and other accident-related documents often remain relevant long after the vehicle has been repaired and the insurance claim has closed. Many drivers discard those… Read More »
Accidents Involving Government Property: Reporting Requirements After Striking Guardrails, Signs, and Utility Poles
Not every car accident involves another vehicle. Drivers sometimes leave the roadway and strike a guardrail. A utility pole may be damaged while avoiding another car. A traffic sign, light pole, or highway barrier can become part of the collision. These accidents are often viewed differently because there is no other driver involved. The… Read More »
Should You Wait for a Repair Estimate Before Filing the MV-104?
After a car accident, one of the first questions many drivers ask is how much the damage will cost to repair. Insurance adjusters schedule inspections. Body shops prepare estimates. Repair appointments may not be available for several days. That often leads to another question: Should you wait for the repair estimate before deciding whether… Read More »
Accidents Involving Borrowed Vehicles: Who Has the Reporting Obligation?
Not every driver owns the vehicle they are operating. A friend may lend you a car for the weekend. You may borrow a family member’s vehicle, drive a dealership loaner while your own car is being repaired, or operate a leased vehicle that is registered in someone else’s name. When an accident occurs, ownership… Read More »
Do You Need to File an MV-104 If Your Vehicle Was Towed From the Scene?
A vehicle being towed after an accident is usually a sign that the crash was more than minor. The car may be unsafe to drive. The damage may affect steering, brakes, tires, airbags, lights, or structural components. Even when the exterior damage does not look severe, the fact that the vehicle could not leave… Read More »
What If the Other Driver Refuses to Exchange Information After an Accident?
After a car accident, drivers are expected to exchange basic information. Names, contact details, license information, insurance coverage, and vehicle registration all help document what happened and allow insurance claims to move forward. That process does not always go smoothly. The other driver may refuse to cooperate. They may provide incomplete information. They may… Read More »
Can You Amend a New York MV-104 After It Has Been Filed?
Filing Form MV-104 is intended to satisfy a driver’s accident reporting obligation under New York law. The report captures information known at the time of submission. Drivers identify the parties involved, describe how the accident occurred, and provide information regarding injuries and property damage. Accidents, however, do not always remain static. Repair estimates increase…. Read More »
What Happens If You Discover an Injury Days After a New York Car Accident?
Many people walk away from a car accident believing they escaped injury. The vehicles may have sustained only modest damage. No ambulance was called. Everyone exchanged information and went home. A few days later, the situation looks different. Neck pain develops. Headaches begin. Back stiffness becomes difficult to ignore. A visit to a doctor… Read More »
How the MV-104 Accident Report Impacts Insurance Claims in New York
After a car accident, insurance becomes the primary point of contact. Claims are opened, damage is evaluated, and liability is reviewed. The process depends on documentation created at or near the time of the incident. The MV-104 accident report becomes part of that record. It is required under New York law in certain situations…. Read More »
