If you drive in New York, the one thing you should know about is the MV-104, that is, themotorist accident report. Section 605 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires all drivers who’ve been in an accident and either (a) injured or killed, or (b) or suffered property damage (including all parties) of more than $1000 must file a report within10 days. If not, the DMV holds the right to suspend the license of the person involved. To file
the report, the MV-104 form has to be filled.
Here are some important things you should know about the MV-104:
- A copy of the MV-104 will be required by the car accident lawyer representing the injured party.
- It is important that you let the car accident attorney review the MV-104 before you submit it.
- As a part of the MV-104 reporting, the following information is also required:
- a. Whether or not the accident only caused property damage. This will include reporting information involving the personal exchange of your driver’s license, registration and insurance information with the other drivers involved
in the accident. - b. Whether or not any parked vehicles or other property was damaged due to the events of the accident. This also includes any information about a domestic animal being injured and the animal’s owner information.
- c. Whether or not the property damage to any party involved in the accident exceeded $1,000 or more, and if this is the case then this is really where the MV-104 form comes to play. It’s important to know that the DMV can
suspend your license if you don’t file an MV-104 form within 10 days after the day of the accident. - d. It is always legally required to immediately notify the police in the situation that someone was injured or even killed in a vehicular accident, and the drivers and the police will be required to file a report to the DMV
- a. Whether or not the accident only caused property damage. This will include reporting information involving the personal exchange of your driver’s license, registration and insurance information with the other drivers involved
- A page-by-page guide of filling the MV-104 is provided here.
As would be evident from above, filling a MV-104 can be complicated. To further add to it, are the abbreviations, codes, and symbols that many people may not understand. However, you can always ask your car accident attorney to fill this out for you. Their expertise in this area will ensure that the form is filled duly and all the details are properly described.
Moreover, a duly filled MV-104 is the first step to compile the documentation required to file the claim. In fact, the information included in the MV-104 form could potentially play a significant factor in determining how much money in damages you’ll end up receiving for any accident situation.
If you or someone you know needs a car accident attorney, contact Siler & Ingber today. We are present in Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.