With some exceptions, most car accidents stay on your record in New York for up to four years, as long as you don’t cause any more collisions in the meantime. Causing an accident could affect your driving record, driving privileges, insurance rates, and more.
If you were blamed for a crash but believe someone else caused or contributed to your accident, you should speak with a Long Island car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Most personal injury law firms provide free consultations.
- What If I Believe Someone Else is at Fault for the Car Accident?
- Auto Accidents and Your NY Driving Record
- What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me if I Am Hurt?
- Talk to Our Car Accident Team About Your Legal Options for Free
What If I Believe Someone Else is at Fault for the Car Accident?
While most injured crash victims turn to their no-fault insurance coverage, those with serious injuries have the right to sue the at-fault driver to seek compensation. The person or persons who caused a car accident will very likely face legal proceedings as the plaintiff tries to hold them legally accountable for their injuries.
If you believe another party is liable and you have serious injuries following the crash, talk to a car accident lawyer. You could have a case against the other driver or another liable party. Just because the police or another party blamed you for the crash does not mean you have no options for seeking compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400
Auto Accidents and Your NY Driving Record
How long a car accident stays on your record in NY depends on several factors, including the nature of the accident, whether you were at fault, and whether the incident resulted in violations or points on your license.
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), your driving record includes information about accidents, traffic violations, and license suspensions. These records are available to insurance companies, potential employers, and others who run background checks that include your driving history. Most crashes and traffic violations remain on your record for up to four years from the date of the incident.
However, serious violations (such as drunk or drugged driving, reckless driving, or criminal negligence) stay on your record for much longer. For example, a DWI conviction generally stays on your record for 15 years following a conviction.
How Does an Accident Affect My Auto Insurance Rates?
While accidents drop off your DMV record after four years, they could affect your car insurance premiums for much longer. Auto insurance companies usually look at several years of driving history when determining your rates.
If you have an at-fault accident in your history, your auto insurance provider could increase your premiums and/or your deductible. This is especially true if you committed a serious traffic violation when causing a crash.
How Long Do Points from an Accident Remain on My License?
Traffic violations occurring in conjunction with an accident result in points added to your license. The DMV handles this process. They will assign points based on infractions such as:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Running a red light
- Unsafe lane changes
According to the DMV, points generally remain on your license and count toward the total for 18 months following the violation. The DMV could revoke or suspend your license if you accumulate 11 or more points over an 18-month period.
The violation will remain on your driving record beyond 18 months but will no longer count against your license privileges beyond this period.
What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me if I Am Hurt?
There are consequences if you are at fault for a car accident. Not only will the crash remain on your driving record for up to four years, but it could also cause your insurance rates to increase. However, there is another way accepting fault for a car accident could hurt you.
If you suffered serious injuries, you could be left holding the bill for any medical expenses beyond your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. The best way to determine if you have other legal options is to talk to a personal injury lawyer. They will assess your options, determine liability, and navigate the legal and financial issues you face if you have been improperly assigned fault in the crash.
When you hire a personal injury attorney to manage your motor vehicle accident case, they will represent you with no upfront fees or costs. They work based on contingency. They will also provide the following services:
- Provide updates and answer questions about your case promptly
- Build a strong case to demonstrate liability and clear your name
- Manage all communication with the insurance carriers and other parties
- Investigate the crash, gather evidence, and support your claim
- Determine an appropriate value for your case based on your damages
You will have peace of mind knowing you have a car accident attorney on your side who will protect your rights and fight for the money you need based on the expenses and losses you experienced.
A fault-based case could allow you to recover the following types of damages:
- Current and future medical care and support for accident injuries
- Lost income, including wages, tips, gig work, and more
- Diminished earning ability for lasting injuries
- Property damage, including repairing or replacing your damaged car
- Pain and suffering and other intangible losses suffered
You only have a limited time to sue under New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules § 214. Depending upon the facts of your case, a shorter statute of limitations, as well as other deadlines, may apply. It is important to act in a timely manner to ensure your rights remain protected.
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Talk to Our Car Accident Team About Your Legal Options for Free
If you have questions about how an accident might affect your record or believe you are not at fault, Friedman & Simon Injury Lawyers L.L.P. is here to protect your rights and get justice for you. Our car accident lawyers manage personal injury claims regularly and accept even the most complex and challenging cases. We meet with clients on Long Island and in the greater New York metropolitan area.
Call our office today for a free consultation with our team. We are here for you after your New York car accident.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form