The population of Queens represents 27.1% of New York’s total population. There are currently around 2,278,906 people residing in the city. The number of car accidents in heavily populated and busy cities like Queens is high. In 2020 close to $37.2 million worth of highway safety grants were allotted to 502 road safety programs in New York by the Federal Government.
Queens, NY, falls under the periphery of New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Your Queens car accident lawyer can guide you on what you may and may not do after a car accident charlotte nc.
Not Reporting the Accident Immediately
After a car accident in Queens, you must immediately report the accident to the police department. This is crucial if one or more persons were severely injured or killed. The police will reach the accident site to examine the situation and collect details like names of persons involved, license numbers of the vehicles, vehicle registration numbers, witness statements, and accident time. If you are a victim, the police may ask you to submit a written report of the accident.
Leaving the Scene of the Accident
Leaving the accident site before police arrived can lead to serious legal consequences. The State jury may even proceed to suspend your drivers’ license. It’s recommended you notify the authorities immediately by calling 911. However, persons involved in the accident are allowed to leave the accident site for medical attention and treatment.
Not Filing the Report of Motor Vehicle Accident
Drivers and other parties involved in the accident are required to file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident under Form MV-104 within ten days from the accident date. Not filing the report within the prescribed time limit may impact your insurance claim recovery process negatively. When filling the form, parties should fill in only authentic and original information.
Over 1,199,319 registered drivers in Queens and the DMV have information on all these drivers stored in the DMV database. Any attempt to mislead the department or police could lead to fines, penalties, license suspension, and other legal consequences if identified.
Statements
It is recommended you only make statements and give information to the police officers and representatives of the DMV. Engaging in fights or rude verbal exchanges with the other parties involved or with the witnesses present at the site could give rise to additional legal implications.
It would be advisable to contact your Queens car accident lawyer immediately. Your lawyer could guide you on what information you should and should not disclose. Your lawyer can also educate you on your rights to withhold or deny specific information to the police.
Not Collecting Evidence and Witness Statements
Pictures, videos, and witness statements could be beneficial to prove your innocence and at the time of filing for your car insurance claim. Your lawyer can help you in the process of collecting, recording, and submitting evidence.
Attend to Your Medical Needs First
There are approximately 136,913 Emergency Department visits on account of car accidents every year in New York. According to the most recent statistical studies, over 27 car accidents per hour are reported in Queens, NY. The first and foremost thing to attend to after a car accident is your health and medical needs and the medical needs of other people involved. Immediate medical attention may prevent fatalities and severe physical injuries.
