How to File a Police Report After a Crash in Monroe County

Why Filing a Police Report Matters in Rochester

After a car crash, most people feel extremely stressed out. You’re dealing with possible injuries, damage to your vehicle, and the pressure of making the right decisions fast. One of the first and most important steps is filing a police report. In Rochester and throughout Monroe County, that report creates an official record that can help protect you later on.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel, especially after an accident on a busy road like I-490 or East Main Street. Our car crash attorneys know how to guide clients through this and every other step after a crash. If you’re hurt or uncertain about what to do next, we can help you get answers and hold the right party accountable. 

Stop Your Vehicle and Check for Safety Hazards

New York State law requires all drivers to stop after an accident, and that applies across Monroe County. Whether you’re in downtown Rochester or heading east on Route 104, you must stay at the scene. Even a minor fender-bender can lead to bigger problems if drivers leave the area too soon.

After stopping, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Then look around to see if the vehicles or debris create a hazard. If you’re in the middle of Lake Avenue or another high-traffic road, move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot if it’s safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Your safety comes first. Don’t rush. If the situation feels dangerous, stay in your car until help arrives.

Call 911 and Request Police Assistance

Once you’re safe, call 911. This gets emergency responders to the scene and starts the process of creating a police report. Be clear and direct when speaking to the dispatcher. Let them know there’s been a car accident. If someone is injured, say so right away.

Depending on your exact location, your call may be routed to either the Rochester Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. For example, a crash on Monroe Avenue in Brighton falls under the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, while a collision near Corn Hill in Rochester goes to city police.

Provide this information when calling:

• Your name and phone number
• The exact location of the crash (street names or landmarks help)
• How many vehicles are involved
• Whether anyone appears hurt or in distress

Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. Officers and medical responders will be on their way.

Know When a Police Report Is Required by New York Law

Under New York law, you must file a report when an accident involves:

• Injury or death
• Property damage over $1,000

In these cases, police must also complete an official crash report known as the MV-104A. If officers respond to your accident in Rochester or elsewhere in Monroe County, they will typically complete this report on-site.

But sometimes, no officer shows up. If that happens, the responsibility falls on you. You must submit your own crash report, known as the MV-104, to the New York State DMV within 10 days. This is not optional. Failing to file can result in license suspension, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

It’s always best to have a police report on file. It gives your insurance company and, if needed, your attorney a neutral record to reference.

For more information, you can visit the New York Department of Motor Vehicles crash report page.

Give the Officer Accurate, Honest Information

When police arrive, they’ll begin asking questions. Be honest and factual, but don’t speculate. If you’re unsure about something, say so. Avoid making guesses or taking blame at the scene.

In Rochester, officers are trained to collect detailed information. You may see them take photos, speak with other drivers, or talk to witnesses nearby. Landmarks like Highland Park or Strong Memorial Hospital can help officers document the location accurately.

Tell the officer if you feel disoriented, shaken, or in pain even if the injury seems minor. That detail may go into the report and can help your case later if symptoms worsen.

What matters most is being truthful. Don’t try to protect the other driver or downplay the crash.

Ask for the Officer’s Name and Report Number

Before you leave the scene, ask the responding officer for:

• Their full name and badge number
• The report number (or instructions on how to request it later)

In Monroe County, police reports are not immediately available. It may take several days for the paperwork to go through. But by having the officer’s information, you’ll make the follow-up process easier.

If Rochester police handled the crash, your report will be processed through the Records Unit at 846 South Clinton Avenue. If the Monroe County Sheriff responded, reports go through their Henrietta office on East Henrietta Road.

Take a photo of the officer’s card or write down the info clearly. You’ll need it later to obtain the full report.

Gather Your Own Information at the Scene

Even if a police report is being filed, collect your own evidence. This protects you in case something is missed or written incorrectly. The more details you have, the stronger your position later.

Try to get the following:

• Photos of damage to all vehicles
• Pictures of the crash location (signs, streets, traffic lights)
• Images of license plates
• Names and contact info of all drivers
• Insurance details for each vehicle
• Names of any eyewitnesses

If the crash happened at a busy spot like East Main and Goodman, capture the traffic flow and surrounding area. These photos can show how lighting, road design, or visibility played a role.

Also, take notes while it’s fresh. Write down what happened in your own words, step by step.

Request a Copy of the Crash Report

You can request your police report in a few ways, depending on which agency handled it. Typically, it becomes available 3–7 business days after the crash.

Options include:

• Going in person to the Rochester Police Records Unit
• Visiting the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Henrietta
• Using the New York State DMV online crash report system

You’ll need this info:

• The report number (or crash date and location)
• Names of the drivers involved

Some reports cost a small fee, especially if requested through the DMV. Bring ID when making a request in person.

Read through the report once you have it. Look for errors in vehicle details, locations, or your statement. Mistakes can delay insurance claims or complicate legal matters.

File Your Own MV-104 If Required

If police did not respond or didn’t file a report, the law still requires you to act. You must submit your own MV-104 form to the DMV if the crash involved an injury or over $1,000 in damage.

Here’s what to do:

1. Download the MV-104 from the NYS DMV website
2. Complete all sections truthfully and clearly
3. Include date, time, location, and full details of the crash
4. Sign the form
5. Mail it to:
   • NYS DMV Crash Records Center
   • 6 Empire State Plaza
   • Albany, NY 12228

The deadline is 10 days from the date of the crash. If you miss it, your license could be suspended. Don’t wait, even if you’re still waiting for other information.

If you’re unsure how to fill it out, ask for help before submitting.

Understand How the Report May Affect Insurance and Legal Claims

Crash reports play a major role in what happens next. Insurance companies use them to decide fault, assess damage, and calculate payouts. Attorneys rely on them to build or defend legal cases.

In Rochester, a police report might determine who pays for your medical bills or car repairs. If the officer notes that the other driver ran a red light or was speeding, that supports your case. But if the report leaves out key facts or includes errors, it can work against you.

That’s why it’s smart to:

• Review the report for accuracy
• Keep your own records and photos
• Save all related documents in one place

A clean, consistent record helps ensure your side is fully understood.

Monitor the Report’s Status and Follow Up If Needed

If you haven’t received your report after a week, follow up. Delays happen, especially after weekend crashes or during high-volume times.

Contact the agency that filed it:

• For Rochester reports: Call or visit the Records Unit on South Clinton Ave
• For Sheriff’s reports: Contact the East Henrietta Road office

Make sure they have the correct spelling of your name and accurate date details. If something seems off, request clarification.

Hold onto the report for your records. You may need it weeks or even months later for insurance purposes or if you pursue legal action.

Contact Horn Wright, LLP After a Crash in Rochester

Filing a police report is just one part of protecting your rights after a crash. At Horn Wright, LLP, we help people across Rochester and Monroe County take the right steps, starting from the moment an accident happens. If you were hurt or if you’re dealing with an uncooperative driver or unclear report, our attorneys can step in and take that stress off your shoulders. We’ll work with the evidence, speak with insurers, and help you get the outcome you deserve.