Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of life on the roads, with more than 52,341 car accidents occurring in New York alone in 2022.
A NYC Car Accident Lawyers may guide you on how to proceed with the car accident claim, gather relevant evidence, investigate the case, and seek fair compensation for you.
In addition to this, knowing when you need to report a car accident to your insurance company is important, as failing to do so could result in a delay or denial of your claim. How long you have to report a car accident to your insurance company will depend on your state, the type of accident, and your auto insurance policy.
In this article, we will discuss the timeframe for reporting a car accident to your insurance company and what you need to do to ensure your claim is properly processed.
Car accidents are unfortunately common in New York State. More than 52,341 motor vehicle crashes occurred in 2022 alone. On average, 292 people died, and another 13,719 were injured.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that driver negligence was the leading cause of car accidents in 2022. It was also the leading cause of fatal car accidents in the state for that year. Other contributing factors to motor vehicle crash included drunk driving, speeding, and reckless driving.
These car accident statistics in New York demonstrate how common and dangerous these events can be.
Out of all reported motor vehicle crashes in New York State during 2021, there were:
The most dangerous roads for car accidents are:
Regarding dangerous intersections, Brooklyn’s Prospect Expressway and 4th Avenue are considered two of the most accident-prone areas. Other intersections with a high rate of collisions include the Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue intersection in Brooklyn, the Henry Hudson Parkway and West 79th Street intersection on Manhattan’s West Side, and the Roosevelt Avenue and Junction Boulevard intersection located in Queens.
The most common cause of car crashes is driver error. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 70 percent of all crashes occur because a driver made an unsafe decision or behaved recklessly behind the wheel.
This includes speeding, tailgating, failing to yield the right-of-way, running red lights and stop signs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Weather conditions such as rain or snow can also cause serious accidents, which are not as common as driver negligence or recklessness. Additionally, road rage or distractions due to cell phones can also be factors in some serious crashes.
Statistically, Brooklyn had the highest number of fatal car accidents as per 2021 statistics, with 80 crash fatalities.
Queens followed with 61 crash fatalities, and the Bronx had 47 crash fatalities.
Manhattan had 46 crash fatalities, and Staten Island had 11 crash fatalities.
To avoid becoming a victim of a car accident, drivers should always practice defensive driving techniques. They should;
Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists who may suddenly enter the roadway. Finally, drivers should always keep their vehicles in good working order to avoid breakdowns that could lead to potentially dangerous situations. Drivers can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in an auto accident by following these safety tips.
If you are involved in a car accident, you should first pull over and call 911. Wait to leave the scene until the police arrive, even if no one appears to have been injured. If you sustained any injuries, seek medical attention immediately and document your injuries, treatments, and expenses. Lastly, contact a qualified attorney to help you seek compensation for damages resulting from the crash.
Yes, there are special laws that apply to car accidents. New York is a “no-fault” state, which means that insurance companies frequently reimburse insureds for losses regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
New York is also a “comparative fault” jurisdiction, which means that an individual’s degree of fault for the accident will be considered when determining the number of damages owed to an injured party. Furthermore, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to car accidents is three years from the date of the accident.
If you are found to be at fault in an accident, you may still be compensated for your losses, though at a reduced rate. Because New York is a comparative fault state, if you are found to be partially to blame for an accident, the amount of compensation you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
If you were found to be 25% at fault, for example, you could only receive 75% of the total award. Furthermore, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are ineligible for any award. As a result, it is critical to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible following the crash in order to protect your interests and receive the full award you deserve.
In a car accident case, the recoverable damages depend on the severity of the accident and the specific circumstances.
In general, you may be entitled to compensation for, among other things, pain, and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, loss of consortium, property damage, and funeral expenses. Punitive damages are also available in cases where the defendant’s conduct is deemed grossly negligent.
Lastly, in some cases, you may be entitled to recover punitive damages to punish the defendant for their wrongful conduct.
Following a car accident, an experienced attorney can be of invaluable assistance. They will handle all communication with the other parties in the case, such as insurers, defense attorneys, and medical providers, so you won’t have to worry about negotiating or dealing with paperwork.
They can calculate the total value of your damages so that you are adequately compensated for your losses. Having an attorney present during this process can provide you with peace of mind while also ensuring that your rights are fully protected.
The majority of car accidents happen during rush hour. This is due to more cars on the road, slower driving speeds, and drivers rushing to finish errands before returning home or returning to work.
However, weekends in the summer months (June–August) are particularly dangerous. Many drivers engage in recreational driving or take vacations during these times, creating a higher risk of collisions due to higher speeds and unfamiliar roads.
Additionally, nighttime driving has proven to be much riskier than daytime driving due to fatigue and decreased visibility. Therefore, it’s important to pay extra attention when driving during these periods to reduce your risk of getting into a crash.
When you are involved in an accident, time is of the essence. You must report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to receive coverage and medical benefits. But how long do you have to report a car accident to insurance?
Several factors, including the state where the accident occurred, the type of insurance coverage you have, and any relevant policy provisions, may influence the amount of time you have to report a car accident to your insurance company. Depending on where you live, you may be required by law to report an accident within a certain time frame; for example, many states require you to report an accident within 24 hours or up to three days after it occurs.
Furthermore, certain insurance policies may require you to report an accident as soon as possible or within a certain time frame; failure to do so may result in the claim being denied. Finally, if the policy includes specific notification provisions, it is critical to adhere to them strictly.
Yes, in some cases. This varies by state, but when dealing with more serious accidents, such as those involving injuries or significant property damage, you may be required to file a police report. Furthermore, if there is a suspicion of criminal activity related to the accident (e.g., drunk driving), filing police reports is frequently required.
Additionally, depending on the terms of your insurance policy, filing a police report may be necessary before reporting the accident to the insurer. Therefore, if you need help deciding whether or not to file a police report, it’s best to contact your insurer directly for guidance.
A car accident can be a traumatic experience, which is exacerbated when the circumstances are complicated and difficult to navigate.
When you find yourself in this situation, it’s critical to remember that you don’t have to suffer alone. Having a personal injury lawyer from Gregory Spektor & Associates on your side can provide you with the guidance and support you require to ensure the best possible outcome.
We can help you understand the legal process, answer your questions, and represent you in court if necessary. We can also help you with your car insurance claim, negotiate a settlement, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
With Gregory Spektor & Associates, you can be sure that you’re getting the best legal representation and that your rights will be protected.
Call us today at 1 (888) 797-7735 for a free consultation.
