BROOKLYN, NY - In the aftermath of a car accident, confusion and stress are common. For those involved in crashes across New York, understanding the required steps for reporting the incident is vital. At Kucher Law Group (https://www.rrklawgroup.com/how-long-do-you-have-to-report-an-accident/), Brooklyn, NY car accident attorney Samantha Kucher is helping injured drivers and passengers understand their legal obligations and the strict deadlines that can affect everything from license status to compensation eligibility.
According to Brooklyn, NY car accident attorney Samantha Kucher, timely reporting of an accident to the appropriate authorities is not just a bureaucratic formality; it's a legal requirement that can have serious consequences if ignored. “If a person fails to report a qualifying accident within the required time frame, the DMV may suspend their license, and the insurance company could deny the claim,” said Kucher. These penalties can leave individuals unprotected and financially vulnerable.
For anyone injured in a crash, working with a Brooklyn, NY car accident attorney like Samantha Kucher is key to avoiding legal pitfalls. New York requires the filing of Form MV-104 with the DMV within 10 days if the crash resulted in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Failing to meet this deadline can trigger an automatic license suspension. The form includes crucial information such as names, addresses, insurance details, vehicle plate numbers, and a diagram of the accident. If an injured person is hospitalized or incapacitated, someone else, including an attorney, may file on their behalf.
Samantha Kucher and her team at Kucher Law Group emphasize that calling 911 immediately after an accident is essential, especially when someone is injured. “Notifying police at the scene not only fulfills legal duties but also strengthens future insurance claims,” Kucher said. Police reports often become key evidence in disputes over fault or injury severity. When officers are not available at the crash site, accident victims must still report the incident at the nearest police station as soon as possible.
In addition to DMV and police reporting, victims must also inform their insurance providers promptly. Under New York’s no-fault insurance system, individuals must file a written notice of their accident within 30 days to access coverage for medical bills and lost wages. Most policies also include a clause requiring “prompt” notice of any accident, which can be as little as 24 to 48 hours. Kucher warns that delays may allow insurers to deny valid claims: “Even when the 30-day limit hasn’t passed, waiting too long to contact the insurer weakens the case and can lead to coverage denials.”
Deadlines also differ based on the type of claim being filed. For example, if the at-fault driver fled the scene or had no insurance, victims have 90 days to file a Notice of Intention with the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). Property damage or personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years, but claims involving government vehicles are subject to a much shorter 90-day Notice of Claim requirement. “Many accident victims don’t realize how short the window is when a city-owned vehicle is involved,” said Kucher. Missing the deadline typically results in losing the right to any recovery from that entity.
For accidents occurring in busy Brooklyn areas like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway or intersections such as Flatbush and Atlantic Avenue, quick action is particularly important. These high-traffic corridors account for a large number of car crashes and require careful documentation to support injury claims. “The sooner a person acts, the easier it is to gather evidence, contact witnesses, and build a strong claim,” Kucher added.
Victims who were hospitalized or unconscious at the time of the crash may be excused from immediate reporting requirements, but proof of medical incapacity is needed. Medical records from facilities such as Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn’s only Level 1 pediatric trauma center, can demonstrate that reporting delays were unavoidable. Kucher recommends having a friend, family member, or attorney notify both the DMV and insurer as soon as possible in such cases.
Missing reporting deadlines has far-reaching consequences. The DMV may suspend a driver's license, and insurance providers can reject otherwise valid claims. In litigation, delays in reporting can damage the victim’s credibility. “Defense attorneys may use late reporting to argue that the injuries aren’t serious or that exaggerating what happened,” Kucher explained. To protect a potential claim, she recommends gathering accident details early and filing all required documents even if it’s slightly past the deadline, though this should be done with legal guidance.
Taking timely steps after a car accident ensures that legal rights remain intact. From filing DMV forms to notifying insurers and preparing for possible litigation, every deadline matters. The Brooklyn, NY Car Accident Attorneys at Kucher Law Group, under the direction of Samantha Kucher, Esq., are committed to helping victims act quickly and correctly to protect their financial and legal futures.
Anyone involved in a New York car accident should be proactive. Gather all necessary documentation, report the incident to the DMV and police, notify the insurer immediately, and consult an attorney who understands the specific legal landscape of Brooklyn traffic incidents. By doing so, victims avoid common pitfalls that could lead to denied claims or loss of compensation opportunities.
About Kucher Law Group:
Kucher Law Group is a personal injury law firm serving clients throughout Brooklyn and the greater New York City area. Led by attorney Samantha Kucher, Esq., the firm is focused on representing individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents and helping them navigate the legal system to pursue fair compensation.
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Company Name: Kucher Law Group
Contact Person: Samantha Kucher
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State: New York 11221
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Website: https://www.rrklawgroup.com/
