MV104: How a Simple Form Can Wreck Your Injury Claim

I. MV104 Reports and Why They Matter in Injury Cases

That MV104 form you filed after your New York car accident? It’s more than just another piece of paperwork. The Motor Vehicle Accident Report frequently becomes the cornerstone of injury claims, influencing how insurers and judges assess responsibility and compensation.

The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. handles these cases daily. After ten years specializing in personal injury law, we’ve learned exactly where clients need help most—particularly when dealing with New York’s no-fault system and building strong claims from the ground up.

II. Why MV104 Reports Make or Break Injury Claims

Inside the MV104 Report

This document packs in critical details:

• Everyone involved in the crash
• Vehicle descriptions
• The officer’s written account of what happened
• Witness contact information
• Hand-drawn collision diagrams

Police complete these reports at accident scenes, but they’re not perfect. Officers might miss important details or misinterpret what happened. Ever seen two eyewitnesses describe the same event completely differently? That’s why these reports, while important, shouldn’t be taken as the final word. The New York DMV provides guidance for completing these forms accurately.

How Courts and Insurers Use These Reports

Insurance companies often treat MV104s as definitive proof, but judges consider them alongside other evidence. We recently represented a client whose report wrongly assigned them partial fault because the officer rushed the investigation. By presenting traffic camera footage and independent witness statements, we overturned the initial finding and recovered full damages.

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III. Protecting Your Rights After a Crash

New York’s No-Fault Rules – What You Need to Know

You have 30 days to file a no-fault claim (called PIP coverage), but here’s the crucial detail many miss: serious injuries like broken bones, permanent disabilities, or significant disfigurement allow you to sue for pain and suffering beyond basic medical coverage. While you technically have three years to file suit, waiting risks losing critical evidence. Understanding statute of limitations is crucial in these cases.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Case

• Medical documentation: Shows how your injuries connect directly to the collision
• Photos and videos: Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, and weather
• Expert analysis: Accident specialists can challenge inaccurate police reports

Important: Request your MV104 copy right away. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to correct errors.

IV. How We Handle MV104 Reports Differently

Spotting What Others Miss

After reviewing countless accident reports, we consistently find the same problems. Officers frequently check “driver inattention” without considering other factors like malfunctioning traffic lights or obscured road signs. Here’s how we respond:

• Scrutinize every report for inconsistencies
• Fill evidence gaps using private investigators or surveillance footage
• Push back hard against insurers who take advantage of unrepresented claimants

Real Case Example: One delivery driver’s MV104 failed to mention the other motorist ran a red light. We obtained security camera footage from a nearby business, transforming a denied claim into a $175,000 settlement.

V. Overcoming Insurance Company Roadblocks

Their Playbook – And How We Beat It

• Stalling tactics: Insurers drag out claims hoping you’ll settle cheap. We file legal motions to keep things moving.
• Pre-existing injury claims: “Your client already had back problems.” We work with physicians to separate old issues from new injuries.
• Low settlements: They’ll argue about who caused the crash. We gather phone records, maintenance reports, and other proof they can’t ignore. More information on negotiating with insurance companies can be helpful.

VI. What Happens in a Personal Injury Case

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial meeting: We’ll review your MV104 and other documents within one business day.
2. Evidence gathering: If the report contains errors, we move quickly—witness memories deteriorate fast.
3. Resolution options: Most cases settle, but we prepare every claim as if it’s going before a jury.

VII. Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Form Undermine Your Claim

An MV104 starts the process, but it shouldn’t end there. At The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., we make sure the full story comes through.

What to Do Now:

• Get your MV104 from the NY DMV.
• Call us at (516)-750-0595 for a no-cost case evaluation.
• Check our blog for more on establishing fault in New York crashes.

Insurance firms have entire legal departments working against you. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting for you?

For more information on NY car accidents check out our video: