New York Laws That Could Affect Your Car Accident Claim

When you’ve been involved in a car accident in New York, you may want to understand what state laws can affect your car accident claim. State-specific laws regarding personal injury lawsuits differ across the country, and this is where your car accident claim falls. 

Read on to learn more about several aspects of New York laws that could come into play.

Filing a Car Accident Report in New York

Under New York law, you are required to report an accident where the damage to property of either party exceeds $1,000 within ten days. 

If you intend to file a car accident claim, this should be the first step to consider.

New York Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Statute of limitations is a legislative act that prescribes the maximum time that parties in a dispute have to initiate a civil claim. These statutes vary from state to state.

Following a car accident in New York, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit beyond which your case is likely to be dismissed. However, if the accident was fatal, you have two years to sue for the wrongful death of your loved one.

Although the law provides a three-year window, it is essential to initiate proceedings as soon as the car accident occurs, and when the evidence is still fresh.

New York Is a No-Fault Insurance State

The state of New York is among the twelve states where the no-fault insurance law applies. That means regardless of who was at fault for the accident, your car insurance coverage will pay for your minor injuries suffered from the car accident.

However, if your injuries were severe and meet a certain threshold, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver. The threshold includes injuries such as:

• Partial or permanent disability
• Broken bones
• Serious disfigurement

In addition, there is a monetary threshold you can hold the at-fault driver liable for.

New York’s Law On Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a principle of law that pertains to insurance. Under this law, the fault of each party is formed based on their contribution to the accident. Therefore, comparative negligence makes it possible for insurance companies to pay claims accordingly.

Pure vs. Modified Comparative negligence

Modified comparative negligence asserts that a party to a personal injury lawsuit cannot be compensated if their contribution to the negligence surpasses a certain percentage. In pure comparative negligence, even if a party was primarily responsible for the negligence, they may receive compensation to that extent.

New York is a pure comparative negligence state, which means all the parties to a personal injury lawsuit can receive compensation even if they were majorly at fault. The payout will depend on your contribution to the car accident, and the lesser your fault, the more the damages you’ll be awarded.

How Much Should I Expect From a Car Accident Claim in New York?

The amount of your car accident settlement depends on the extent of the injuries and loss suffered. The state of New York does not have a cap on damages for personal injury cases. Calculation of your settlement will take into account both economic and non-economic damages such as:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering 
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Diminished earning capacity
• Loss of consortium

You may also be awarded punitive damages under certain circumstances. It is crucial to get in touch with a car accident lawyer in New York City to maximize your chances of justice through maximum payout.