Who needs to be notified after a car accident on Staten Island?
The no-fault insurer is owed written notice as soon as reasonably practicable and within 30 days of the accident at the latest, unless the injured person submits written proof that gives a clear and reasonable justification for the delay. A driver in a crash that killed or injured someone, or caused property damage over $1,000 to any one person, has 10 days to file a written report with the New York State DMV, using form MV-104. If the City of New York's wrongful action or inaction caused the injury, a notice of claim must be filed with the New York City Comptroller no later than 90 days after the incident.
Key facts
- Richmond County, more popularly known as Staten Island, is one of the five boroughs of New York City.
- Richmond County Supreme Court, which has Civil and Criminal Terms, is at 26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301.
- The Civil Court of the City of New York for Richmond County is at 927 Castleton Avenue (corner of Bement Avenue), Staten Island, New York 10310, and hears general civil cases for up to $50,000, exclusive of interest and costs.
- In NYC DOT's count, Staten Island traffic deaths remained roughly flat: 12 in 2024 and 13 in 2025.
How do you get the police report for a Staten Island crash?
The NYPD holds collision reports at the precinct for 30 days. During that period, a copy can be obtained from the precinct of occurrence, either in person or by mailing the NYPD's Request for Copy of Collision Record, completed in duplicate. In person, a valid picture ID (for example, a driver's license or passport) is needed; a mailed request should include a photocopy of a valid picture ID and a stamped envelope addressed to the requester. Reports taken after September 30, 2016 are also available through the NYPD's online Collision Report Retrieval Portal, though it can take up to seven business days after the incident date for a report to appear there. For a crash more than 30 days old, the request must instead be made to the New York State DMV, using form MV-198C.
What happens after a notice of claim is filed against the City?
The Comptroller's Office takes notices of claim online through its website, in person, or by registered or certified mail; the in-person and mailing address is 1 Centre Street, Room 1225, New York, NY 10007. The Comptroller then assigns a claim number and sends it to the claimant, who may be called to a hearing to testify and give details about the claim. No lawsuit may be filed until 30 days after the notice of claim and compliance with any hearing demand, and the suit must be filed within 1 year and 90 days from the date of the incident.
How long is there to sue the New York City Transit Authority?
Under Public Authorities Law § 1212, a tort action against the New York City Transit Authority, other than one for wrongful death, has to be commenced within one year and ninety days after the event it is based on. The same section bars the action unless a notice of claim was first served on the authority under the terms of General Municipal Law § 50-e, which gives ninety days after the claim arises.
What must taxis and for-hire cars carry under TLC rules?
According to the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission's chart (updated March 3, 2026), the minimum insurance levels for medallion taxis, livery vehicles and black cars that seat 1 to 7 passengers include $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence and $10,000 property damage.
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach William Mattar, P.C. from Staten Island?
One number, (844) 444-4444, serves every location.
Can a late notice of claim still be served?
Possibly. Where General Municipal Law § 50-e governs the notice, a court may, on application and in its discretion, extend the time to serve a notice of claim, but the extension cannot exceed the time limited for commencing the action.
Can the Comptroller still settle a claim once a lawsuit is filed?
No. The Comptroller's Office cannot settle claims after a lawsuit has been filed or after 1 year and 90 days have passed.
About William Mattar, P.C.
William K. Mattar founded William Mattar, P.C. in Williamsville, NY, in 1990, and the firm focuses on injuries from motor vehicle accidents. Its initial case consultation is free, and contacting the firm creates no obligation.
Related reading from William Mattar
- Personal Injury Lawyer Serving NYC
- Hurt on a City Bus? Here's What You Need to Know About The 90-Day Deadline
- Hit by a DSNY Garbage Truck? Suing a New York City Agency
- Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident in NYC?
Sources
- NY.gov, Richmond County: https://www.ny.gov/counties/richmond
- NYS Unified Court System, Richmond County Supreme Court: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/13th-judicial-district/richmond-county-supreme-court and https://ww2.nycourts.gov/ACCESSIBILITY/counties/ADAbycounty-richmond-supreme.shtml
- NYS Unified Court System, Civil Court of the City of New York (Richmond): https://nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/directionsRichmond.shtml
- NYC DOT, "Traffic Deaths Reach All-time Low" (January 2, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pr2026/traffic-deaths-reach-all-time-low.shtml
- NYS Unified Court System, Civil Court of the City of New York: https://nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/
- New York City Civil Court Act § 201: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CCA/201
- NYPD, Motor Vehicle Collision Reports: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/vehicles-property/reports.page
- NYC 311, Vehicle Accident Report: https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03073
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 605: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/605
- NYS DMV, Form MV-104: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv104.pdf
- NYC Comptroller, Personal Injury Claims: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/personal-injury/
- NYC Comptroller, Filing a Claim with the New York City Comptroller (January 2026): https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Filing-a-Claim-with-the-New-York-City-Comptroller-2026.pdf
- New York General Municipal Law § 50-e: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GMU/50-E
- New York Public Authorities Law § 1212: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBA/1212
- 11 NYCRR 65-1.1 (Regulation 68, NYS Department of Financial Services): https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/08/reg68_11_nycrr_65_full_txt.pdf
- NYC TLC, Vehicle Insurance Requirements (updated March 3, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/assets/tlc/downloads/pdf/veh_insurance_req.pdf
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information about New York law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated November 2026.