Understanding Car Accident Laws in 2025
Car accidents are a frequent and nearly normal issue in Long Island and sometimes a challenge every driver must undergo. This is mainly attributed to the packed roads with limited room and other driver misconduct. The region accounts for about 22% of the total number of fatalities in New York, higher than every region in the state. Last year, the Department of Motor Vehicles reported around 187 fatalities, a number that has been steadily growing.
This rising number highlights why every Long Island driver must familiarize themselves with the accident laws in the region. Understanding these laws can determine what will happen concerning damages and other incidents that arise after the accident. This should be mandatory whether you live in the region or just visiting.
In such a situation, full awareness of the regulations will help you be on the right track with the laws, avoid incidents and protect your rights. So, you must master them to be alert, avoid charges and trouble with the cops, and help you navigate the aftermath of an accident. Let's explore each of them in detail.
1. Statute Of Limitations and Reporting Incidents
Whenever you are in an accident, you must report the incident within 10 days and file a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This applies whether you're in a minor or major accident as long as the damages exceed $1000.
Therefore, you must get an investigator within that period to evaluate the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or recovery. If the evaluation is below $1000, you can handle it without involving the department. This value also applies to other damages, like property.
However, if you are in a serious accident that requires long-term hospitalization, you have up to three years to file the indictment. This timeline mainly applies to fatalities or cases that may lead to some form of bodily harm.
The DMV handles matters promptly, so the earlier you report, the better. Also, note that the number of cases reported to the department is high, hence a longer waiting list. So, you need a helping hand to handle all the legal matters on your behalf.
For that, you can trust the best Long Island car accident lawyers to help you. They can handle all the legal issues while you focus on recovery or go about your life. So, whenever you are in an accident, regardless of the impact, you should first call them to ensure your case is handled urgently. You can also reach out to New York personal injury lawyers for expert legal guidance in such situations.
2. No-Fault Insurance System
Unlike other states, New York Insurance accident laws are sometimes lenient to drivers and those harmed in accidents. This is due to the frequently recorded accidents in the region. So, if you are in an accident, your insurer must cover lost wages and medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
These provisions will save you the burden of pocket payment as you litigate with the insurers to pay you back. This would mean that whether you have comprehensive or third-party cover, you must also include personal injury protection as an add-on.
So, next time you are in the region or plan to move there, know that your insurance costs, including those of the third party, may be slightly higher than those of other regions in the country. The goal is to ensure you have enough money to get the best treatment and to give you peace of mind when recovering.
3. Leandra’s Law
DUI laws in the region are strict due to the high-traffic highways requiring concentration and focus on the road. The consequences are even worse when you have a minor in the car. If you are caught driving under the influence with a passenger below 14 years, you will get a felony charge instead of negligence or misdemeanor. Even if it is your first offense, you will face felony charges.
4. Comparative Negligence
If you're new to New York, you need to know that anyone, whether at fault or not, can claim damages. This is provided under the comparative negligence clause, which allows anyone to claim damages even when they are partially at fault.
So, insurers cannot take you around by denying liability for the damages. However, you should not expect the total damage cost. If you are at fault, the damage costs will be reduced. However, you receive all the damages if the other party is at fault.
5. Establishing Who Is at Fault
Due to the unique no-fault system and comparative negligence, your insurer must cover the basic expenses after the accident. However, you still must establish who is at fault, especially due to court cases and trials. Most car accident cases in the region tend to end in court trials, hence the need for some evidence and witnesses.
You must also investigate the incident to ensure you receive the maximum payment. By law, everyone, including visitors, can obtain police reports and traffic recordings to help establish liability.
6. Obligation After an Accident
Hit-and-run incidents are common in Long Island due to the lenient insurance laws. However, you should file your case with the police to help you navigate the claims process.
Like in other places, the laws regarding protocols after an accident are clear. You must stop immediately, share relevant information, seek medical help, and ensure you report the incident to the authorities. You must also file your incident with the DMV.
Bottomline
Understanding all the Long Island car accident laws empowers you to take the right action after the accident and seek your full rights. So, you must familiarize yourself with traffic and insurance laws to help you recover from any damage and avoid any complications after the incident.
While you go through the process, getting a local attorney who understands the laws is best to help you sail past the claims process seamlessly. Due to the common accidents, being informed about the laws is practical and crucial to help you drive safely and stay alert.
