Does a car accident go on your record? If so, for how long?
A car accident can result in many negative consequences.
For example, you may suffer an injury that requires medical attention.
And your vehicle may sustain severe damage that necessitates auto repairs.
Another issue after your accident is the status of your driving record.
Your driving record can impact your car insurance premiums, penalties for a criminal conviction, and your ability to recover the maximum compensation if you file a personal injury claim.
If you are concerned about your New York driving record, contact the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima.
We can help you obtain a copy of your driving record and determine if the information it contains is something that should concern you.
Reach out to our firm today to learn how we can assist with your case.
New York Car Accident Statistics
Driving in New York is often a confusing and stressful experience, even for its residents.
In August 2022 alone, there were nearly 8,500 in New York City. Thus, getting in an accident in New York is a relatively common occurrence.
A collision can severely impact many parts of your life. In many cases, your insurance company will increase your premiums after a car accident.
If you are involved in an accident with more than $1,000 in property damage, NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires you to file an accident report within ten days.
New York Driving Records
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues New York driving records. You can request your driving record online, by phone, or by mail.
Standard Driving Record
A standard driving record also referred to as an abstract, displays information defined as a public record in the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law.
This typically includes:
- License suspensions for four years from the date the suspension ended,
- License revocations for four years from the date the revocation ended,
- Certain car accidents,
- Convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- Convictions for driving while ability impaired, and
- Serious traffic convictions.
The abstract also includes basic information about you as a driver, such as your driver’s license class, license expiration date, date of birth, and license restrictions or endorsements.
The information on the standard driving record is the information that insurance companies use to set your policy rates.
Lifetime Driving Record
In New York, a lifetime driving record contains all the license information the New York has available about the driver.
Thus, your lifetime driving record will contain information no longer included in your standard driving record.
For example, it will display a license revocation that happened ten years ago, while your standard driving record will only display the revocation for four years.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Driving Record
A commercial driving record, or commercial abstract, shows expanded driver information that is not available on a standard driving record, such as convictions, revocations, or suspensions that occurred in any state in any type of vehicle.
A commercial abstract also includes:
- Medical certification status,
- Medical certification date,
- Self-certification type, and
- Existence of restrictions on medical certification.
You need this type of driving record to secure a commercial driver’s license in New York.
How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on a Driving Record
Generally, a car accident remains on your standard driving record for three years from the end of the year in which the accident occurred.
That means if you were in a car accident on January 1, 2022, the accident would remain on your standard driving record until December 31, 2025.
The record will include the following information about the accident:
- Date of the accident;
- Existence of a fatality, personal injury, and property damage;
- County where the accident occurred; and
- Case number.
If you received a criminal conviction as a result of an accident, it might stay on your driving record longer than the accident.
A conviction for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol will remain on your standard driving record for fifteen years from the date of conviction.
Serious offenses like vehicular homicide will stay on your driving record permanently.
How Long Does Hit and Run Stay on a Record?
A hit-and-run accident will remain on your record for three years from the end of the year in which the accident occurred, even if you were the victim.
Insurance companies typically do not consider who caused an accident when they raise your insurance rates.
If you leave the scene of an accident with property damage and are convicted, it is a traffic infraction.
Thus, the conviction will remain on your driving record for three additional years after the end of the year in which the conviction occurred.
Our team at the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima has helped many clients suffering the consequences of a car accident. Contact our office today so we can put our knowledge and skills to work for you.
How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on My Record? Contact The Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima to Find Out
If you are confused about what will appear on your New York driving record, our lawyers at the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima are here to answer your questions.
We can review information about your prior car accidents and determine if they will still appear on your driving record.
Remember, your standard driving record can impact the cost of your insurance policy, even if you were not responsible for the collision.
Attorney Theodore “Ted” Naima has over two decades of experience representing individuals in personal injury claims.
In 2015, Ted was awarded the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, signifying the highest degree of peer recognition and professional excellence.
Contact our office today by calling 516-210-4209, or use our online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation.
Theodore A. Naima
Theodore A. Naima is the founding partner of the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, a Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law Firm based in New York. In 2015, Ted was awarded the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the company that has long been recognized as setting the gold standard for lawyer ratings, signifying the highest degree of peer recognition and professional excellence.
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