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Car accidents are frequent in New York City. In 2023, a report from the New York Police Department highlighted nearly 94,657 motor vehicle incidents citywide, many resulting in injuries or fatalities.
Experiencing a car accident can have a profound impact, even if the crash is considered minor. Victims may deal with physical injuries, financial loss due to their inability to work, and the burden of unforeseen medical expenses.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we recognize individuals’ challenges following a car accident and fight so they may find relief from them.
How to Report a Car Accident in New York?
In New York, when a car accident occurs, and a police officer is called to the scene by you, another driver, or a witness, the officer typically completes an accident report on your behalf (MV-104a). However, if the police weren’t notified and didn’t attend the scene, you must report the accident.
This is done by filling out and submitting a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident form (MV-104) to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When completing the form, it is essential to provide comprehensive details about the accident, including the specifics of the incident, insurance information, and your contact details. Depending on your convenience, you can submit this report online, by mail, or in person.
Call CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm After a Car Accident
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team of expert personal injury lawyers brings over years of in-depth experience, specializing in the intricacies of car accident cases. Situated in the dynamic center of New York City, we have a detailed understanding of the particular difficulties you can encounter and have the skills and tactics needed to prevail. We’re prepared to go far to ensure you receive a transformative settlement or award.
When you choose our law firm to represent you in New York City, we commit to:
- Providing the assistance and direction needed to get through this challenging phase.
- Truly listen to your story and use it as the cornerstone of our investigation.
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the events leading up to and following your car accident.
- Collecting and analyzing crucial evidence—police reports, photos and videos, medical documentation, and witness testimonies—to establish causation, fault, and liability.
- Handling all communications with involved parties, including insurance companies.
- Working dedicatedly to counter any claims of shared fault on your part.
- Collaborating with leading accident reconstructionists and medical experts to accurately assess the value of your claim.
When to Report a New York Car Accident?
It can be unclear whether you’re obligated to report the incident in the circumstances of a car accident. Under New York State law, specifically NY § 605(a)(1), you’re required to submit a report within ten days of a car accident if it:
- Results in the injury or death of any individual.
- Causes property damage amounting to more than $1,000.
Therefore, filing a state accident report may not be necessary for minor accidents with minimal injuries and vehicle damage.
Do’s And Don’ts After a Car Accident
Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic event, and it’s essential to know the appropriate steps to take afterward to protect your health, rights, and interests. Here are updated guidelines on what to do and avoid after a motor vehicle crash.
What to Do After a Car Accident
- Ensure Safety First: If involved in a minor accident and it’s safe, move your vehicle to a secure location close to the accident scene to avoid obstructing traffic. In the event of a severe crash, prioritize your safety by moving to a safe area away from the road and leaving the vehicle as it is.
- Contact Emergency Services: Dial 911 or the local police immediately. This ensures that anyone injured receives medical attention promptly and that the accident is officially documented, which is crucial for insurance and legal matters.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by medical professionals as soon as possible after the accident. Injuries might not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene and Gather Evidence: Capture videos and photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, skid marks, and any relevant environmental factors. This documentation can provide crucial evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Collect Witness Information: Ask for their names and contact details if any witnesses exist. Their accounts could be invaluable for establishing the facts of the accident.
- Exchange Information: Politely request the other driver’s insurance details. This is important for the claims process, but refrain from discussing the fault or details of the accident.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault at the accident scene. The full circumstances of the accident may not be immediately clear, and admitting fault can complicate insurance claims and legal matters.
- Do Not Leave the Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident can result in significant legal consequences. It’s important to stay until you’ve fulfilled legal obligations, like reporting the accident.
- Do Not Avoid Police Interaction: Always cooperate with law enforcement at the scene. Their report is a critical piece of evidence for insurance and potential legal actions.
- Limit Discussions About the Accident: Be cautious about what you say at the scene, especially to representatives from the other driver’s insurance company. It’s best to let your attorney manage these communications.
Why Should You File an Accident Report?
Filing an accident report is crucial, especially within ten days of the incident, to avoid the risk of having your driver’s license suspended. Beyond compliance, submitting an accident report serves your interests after an accident.
You can still pursue a claim in New York without an accident report.
The entire scope of injuries or car damage may not be visible after an accident. The accident’s effects on your life may become more apparent over time.
When you file a car accident report in New York, you follow the law and establish the foundation for future legal action to protect your rights. This report may be crucial as supporting documentation in insurance discussions or a personal injury lawsuit to ensure you’re ready to pursue justice and compensation.
If you need guidance or wish to explore your legal options further, consider calling us for a no-cost consultation.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
After a car accident, it’s important to get medical attention right away to protect your health and to ensure that your injuries are accurately recorded in case you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Common injuries resulting from vehicle collisions include:
- Concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can have lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional effects.
- Injuries to the neck, spinal cord, or back, potentially leading to chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Broken bones or fractures may require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
- Damage to nerves, muscles, and tissues can result in long-term pain and dysfunction.
- Internal organ damage poses immediate life-threatening risks and possible long-term health issues.
- Disfigurements or deep lacerations, possibly necessitating surgical intervention and causing permanent scars.
- Paralysis is a life-altering condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life and independence.
It’s important to document your medical treatment meticulously following an accident. This documentation is vital for demonstrating the extent and cause of your injuries to insurance companies and in court, should it be necessary.
Serious injuries from car crashes can cause long-lasting, even lifelong suffering. Ensuring your injuries are documented gives you a detailed picture of the harm you sustained and makes it easier to get the compensation you have a right to.
Statute of Limitations in New York
In New York, the legal framework recognizes that not all injuries from an accident are immediately visible. The state enforces a “statute of limitations” to outline the time frame within which legal action must be initiated following an incident.
Specifically, individuals have a three-year window from the incident date to pursue legal claims for car accidents.
In instances of wrongful death, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the deceased’s passing. It’s important to note that the countdown begins at the moment of the accident or from the time of death, which might occur immediately at the scene or later due to sustained injuries.
Injuries like those from traumatic brain injuries might not be apparent right away, with symptoms developing over time. Thorough medical documentation of your condition and the accident’s details is crucial.
This ensures that if injuries are more severe than initially thought, a comprehensive evidence trail links them directly to the accident. You should speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accident.
Developing a solid legal case takes time, so getting started early allows your lawyer plenty of time to prepare. An attorney will explain your rights and possible courses of action and make sure you are prepared to pursue compensation for both instant and delayed-onset injuries from the accident.
Call Our Experienced New York City Auto Accident Attorney
After an accident, reaching out to an expert car accident attorney can significantly enhance the likelihood of swiftly resolving your case.
If you or a loved one endure pain, distress, or any other form of suffering due to injuries sustained in a car accident, our team is here to support you. We offer assistance in covering medical expenses, compensating for lost wages, and managing other incidental costs arising from the accident.
Securing legal representation is a pivotal move. It’s advisable to consult an attorney before engaging with insurance companies, signing documents, or accepting any form of settlement. Taking this essential step ensures the protection of your rights and helps avoid any errors that might adversely affect the outcome of your case.
Residents of New York City looking for expert legal representation can reach us at (516) 689-1132 for a complimentary case evaluation.