As the year draws to a close, many people are focused on holidays, travel, and tying up loose ends. But if you've been injured in an accident—whether in a car crash, slip and fall, or another personal injury—now is also the time to think about your insurance claim. Waiting too long could mean losing out on compensation you’re entitled to.
At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we work with injured clients across Windsor and throughout Queens to help them understand critical insurance deadlines. If you're approaching the end of the year with an unresolved injury claim, here's what you need to know—and what you may need to submit before December 31.
Why Timing Is So Important for Insurance Claims
Strict deadlines for claimants and internal processing govern insurance companies. Missing these deadlines can seriously impact your ability to recover compensation.
Here are some key reasons why timing matters:
- Policy Year Limits: Some insurance policies operate on a calendar-year basis. For instance, unused funds may not roll over into the new year if you’re using MedPay or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits.
- Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs: If you’ve already met your deductible this year, completing treatment and submitting claims now may be more financially beneficial than starting over in January.
- Statute of Limitations: While New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years, certain notice requirements—like those involving municipal entities or no-fault insurance—can be much shorter.
- Evidence Preservation: The sooner you file your claim, the fresher the evidence. Delays can weaken your case and give insurance companies more room to dispute liability or damages.
What Windsor Clients Should Submit Before Year-End
Depending on your situation, you may need to complete several key documents and actions before the new year. Here's what to prioritize:
1. File Your No-Fault Application (Form NF-2)
If you were injured in a car accident, New York's no-fault insurance system requires you to submit a written application for benefits—Form NF-2—within 30 days of the crash. If your accident occurred in late November or December, act quickly to meet this requirement.
2. Submit Outstanding Medical Bills
If you’ve received treatment for your injury but haven’t yet submitted the bills to your insurance carrier or the responsible party’s insurer, get those documents in before the end of the year. It may affect how benefits are applied to your claim and how quickly you get reimbursed.
3. Document Your Injuries and Losses
Gather and submit any photos, medical reports, lost wage documentation, and receipts related to your injuries. This helps support your claim and shows the insurer you’re serious about recovery.
4. Notify All Relevant Parties
Whether it’s your own insurance company, the other driver’s insurer, or a property owner, make sure you’ve formally notified all parties that may be liable. This helps avoid disputes about late reporting or missed notice deadlines.
Don’t Let the Clock Run Out
Handling insurance paperwork alone—especially during the hectic holiday season—can feel overwhelming. However, missing even one critical deadline could cause unnecessary delays or reduce the compensation you receive.
Working with an experienced Queens personal injury attorney can help ensure your claim is filed accurately and on time. At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we provide personalized support to Windsor clients dealing with year-end claims, from gathering the right paperwork to negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
Queens Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered an injury and needs to file or finalize an insurance claim, don’t wait until it’s too late. Year-end deadlines can significantly impact your case—and once the window closes, there may be little a lawyer can do to fix it.
Call the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. at (718) 340-3385 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you meet every critical deadline—so you can confidently move forward into the new year.
