Short summary: Police say no criminality is suspected in a three-car crash that sent an SUV over the guardrail on the Major Deegan Expressway early Saturday. Generally, that doesn't close the door on a civil claim, since a criminal charge and an injury case are two different things.
What Happened on the Deegan
Around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, a Kia Sorento in the right lane of the southbound Major Deegan Expressway in Mott Haven tried to change lanes and struck a BMW in the middle lane, spinning it into a Honda Accord behind it. The Kia lost control, hit the railing, and went over the side of the expressway.
- Three women were in the Kia. Two went to the hospital with minor injuries, one refused treatment.
- The BMW driver was taken to Montefiore Medical Center as a precaution.
- Two people in the Honda refused medical attention.
Police say no criminality is suspected, and no one has been charged.
"No Criminality" Doesn't Mean No Claim
Hearing "no charges filed" makes it easy to assume there's nothing left to do. That's generally not true. Criminal charges punish a driver for breaking the law. A civil injury claim decides who pays your medical bills and lost wages, and a crash can clear one while still supporting the other.
What No-Fault Covers Right Away
New York is a no-fault state, so your own auto insurance generally covers your initial medical bills and some lost income, no matter who caused the crash. That clock moves fast: see our guide to the 30-day no-fault deadline.
When You Can Still Pursue the At-Fault Driver
If your injuries are serious enough, you can generally step outside no-fault and pursue the careless driver, no conviction or arrest required. In a chain-reaction crash, an insurer may try to blame "the pileup" instead of any one driver, so locking down the facts early matters.
If You're in a Highway Chain-Reaction Crash
Get checked out, even if you feel fine
Adrenaline hides pain, and soft tissue injuries from a spin-out often show up a day or two later. Our physical therapy page covers what recovery generally looks like.
Save the report, not just the summary
Get the collision report number before you leave. It documents the lanes and order of impact. If your car is totaled, see our rental car guide and our after a crash checklist.
Questions New Yorkers ask us
If police don't charge anyone, can I still sue?
Generally, yes. A criminal charge isn't required for a civil claim. You just need to show the other driver was careless.
What does New York's no-fault insurance cover?
It generally covers medical treatment and some lost income, regardless of fault, up to your policy's limits. It doesn't cover pain and suffering, which is why serious injuries often need a separate claim.
How long do I have to file after a Bronx highway crash?
Deadlines vary by situation, which is why it helps to get advice now. Our step by step guide covers the early moves that protect your options.
Not sure where you stand after a crash? Get your free case review or call (347) 526-1246. A real person answers, 24/7.
Reporting: ABC7 New York.
