Rochester Police Department Accident Reporting Procedures: What You Need to Know

Rochester, NY, is known for many things: its rich history, the view along the Genesee River, and yes, its reputation for transparency in public systems. That includes the way the city handles car crashes. Whether you’ve had a fender-bender near East Avenue or something more serious on I-490, the Rochester Police Department (RPD) takes accident reporting seriously.

Every crash report goes through RPD’s structured process, based on both local and New York State requirements. Understanding how that works isn’t just about checking a box — it could affect your insurance payout, your legal standing, or even how quickly emergency help arrives. That’s why it’s important to know what happens after a collision in Rochester and what role the police play.

The Legal Foundation of Accident Reporting

New York State sets strict rules for when and how accidents need to be reported. At the center of those rules is Vehicle and Traffic Law §605, which lays out the legal requirements every driver must follow. If a crash results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, reporting isn’t optional — it’s the law.

There are two ways an accident gets reported in the system:

• A police-generated report, typically created by RPD when officers respond to a crash.
• A self-reported MV-104 form, submitted by the driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles if police were not on scene.

In Rochester, both of these reports feed into centralized databases that power everything from state safety research to your insurance company's claim review. RPD ensures every report meets state-level compliance standards while integrating seamlessly with local systems.

The takeaway? Whether the police fill it out or you do, the information eventually winds up in the same place, and it's used to validate facts down the line. Accurate reporting from the beginning protects everyone involved.

The Role of the Rochester Police Department in Crash Response

Once a crash is called into 911 in Monroe County, it’s the dispatch center that alerts RPD officers. From there, things move quickly. Officers arrive with two key responsibilities in mind: protect people and gather accurate facts.

First, they secure the scene. That could mean redirecting traffic on Lake Avenue or checking for injuries near Main Street. The Rochester Fire Department or Monroe Ambulance may also arrive if injuries are reported. Public safety always comes first.

Then, officers begin documenting everything:

• Where and when the crash happened
• What vehicles were involved
• What the road looked like at the time
• Any signs of driver fault or mechanical failure

The RPD traffic division handles serious crashes and works closely with investigators if there’s potential for charges or insurance complications. By the end of their response, officers aren’t just helping in the moment, they’re laying the foundation for what comes next.

What an RPD Accident Report Includes

When RPD finishes documenting a crash, the result is a form MV-104A, better known as the official police accident report. And it’s thorough. This form isn’t just for the record, it serves as evidence.

Here’s what it covers:

• Time, date, and exact location of the crash
• All involved parties — drivers, passengers, vehicles, and plate numbers
• Weather and road conditions, like rain, fog, or slick pavement
• A narrative summary of how the crash happened
• A diagram drawn by the officer
• Contributing factors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or improper turns

Officers use their training to evaluate the scene and make observations about fault, behavior, and vehicle damage. That attention to detail makes these reports vital for insurance companies and legal professionals. It’s also how Rochester tracks dangerous intersections and makes road improvements.

Filing and Record Management

Once an accident report is written, it’s processed quickly. The RPD enters reports into both local databases and New York’s state systems. This ensures everything is logged, stored securely, and accessible for future use. Your Rochester injury attorney will be able to ensure all records related to your accident are obtained.

Reports are housed in the Records Unit, located inside the Public Safety Building at 185 Exchange Blvd. That’s where all official crash reports are retained.

Not everyone can access a report, though. RPD follows privacy guidelines that protect sensitive data. In general, access is granted to:

• Drivers involved in the crash
• Insurance companies with policyholder authorization
• Legal representatives
• Injured passengers

If you fall into one of those categories, the process for getting a report is straightforward, and we’ll walk you through it next.

Private Property and Minor Collisions

Not every crash gets a police response, especially when it happens in a private lot like a strip mall parking area or gas station. If no one’s hurt and the vehicles are drivable, RPD may not be dispatched at all.

But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.

In these cases, drivers are still expected to:

• Exchange insurance and license details
• Take photos of the scene and any damage
• Submit their own MV-104 form to the New York DMV

Self-reporting is a legal requirement if damages exceed $1,000. Insurance carriers also rely on this documentation, even without an official police report. So don’t skip the paperwork, it matters.

Hit-and-Run and Criminal Traffic Incidents

When someone flees the scene of a crash, the case takes a different turn. RPD treats hit-and-run accidents seriously and launches investigations to find the driver responsible.

Their approach can include:

• Reviewing local surveillance footage
• Interviewing witnesses
• Running plate checks and vehicle descriptions

In New York, fleeing the scene violates VTL §600 and may carry criminal penalties. That includes fines, license suspension, and even jail time if injuries were involved.

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run in Rochester, filing a police report right away helps investigators act fast, and improves your chance of recovering damages through insurance or civil claims.

Integration with Insurance and Legal Processes

RPD accident reports do more than document a moment in time, they shape what happens next. Your insurance adjuster will review the report to determine fault, assess damage, and approve claims.

Attorneys, too, use the report as part of building a legal case. The facts recorded by officers help verify what happened, who may be liable, and how the injuries or damage occurred.

That’s why getting it right from the start makes such a difference. When reports are detailed and submitted promptly, you avoid confusion, denial of claims, or drawn-out disputes.

Technology and Transparency in Reporting

Over the years, RPD has modernized how it handles accident reporting. Reports are now entered into digital databases, shared across state and local systems in real time.

This means:

• You can access your report online
• Agencies across Monroe County can analyze traffic trends faster
• Public safety planning becomes more data-driven

The integration of tools like LexisNexis and traffic analytics ensures not just convenience, but also transparency. Rochester’s commitment to tech upgrades has made reporting smoother for residents and more effective for agencies.

Community Education and Awareness

RPD doesn’t just respond after the fact, they also work to prevent accidents before they happen. Through neighborhood outreach programs, school events, and social media, the department helps drivers understand their responsibilities.

That includes:

• When to call 911
• When to self-report a crash to the DMV
• Why it’s important to file even if the damage seems minor

These efforts help reduce underreporting and strengthen trust between police and the community. When everyone understands the process, roads become safer for all of us.

Accident Reporting is Important

Rochester’s accident reporting process is clear, structured, and built to protect drivers. The Rochester Police Department plays a vital role in making sure every crash is documented accurately and fairly. Whether you're dealing with a serious injury or a minor bump, understanding what to do and how to do it right helps protect your rights and your safety.