http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmuVAXm_Oyw if you go to etrailer they have all kinds of good information. I have no association with them other than being a customer.
First of all I do not know NY laws but I would trade the car in and file for loss of value (with the insurance company) on the difference. The current value vs the value it would have be with no accident or problems resulting from the accident. That way the car problems are off of your back.