What to Do After a Car Accident in NYC
A step-by-step guide to protect your health, your rights, and your potential claim after a motor vehicle accident in New York City.
The moments after a car accident can be chaotic and stressful. Knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in protecting your wellbeing and any future legal claims. Here is a comprehensive guide to navigating the aftermath of a car accident in New York City.
Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
Your immediate priority after any car accident is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If the accident is minor and you can safely move, pull your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Call 911
Even if the accident seems minor, calling 911 is recommended. Police officers will create an official accident report, which serves as valuable documentation for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. In New York, reporting is required when there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000. The responding officers can also help manage the scene and direct traffic.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Collect the following from all other drivers involved: full name, phone number, address, driver's license number, insurance company name and policy number, and license plate number. Also note the make, model, and color of each vehicle. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information as well — their statements may be helpful later.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of everything: damage to all vehicles from multiple angles, the surrounding road and intersection, traffic signals and signs, skid marks, debris, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Write down or record a voice memo describing what happened while the details are fresh in your memory. This evidence can be crucial for your case.
Seek Medical Attention — Even if You Feel Fine
Many accident injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage, and even internal bleeding can take hours or days to become apparent. Visiting a doctor or emergency room promptly creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for any insurance or legal claim. Follow all treatment recommendations and keep detailed records of every medical visit.
Do Not Admit Fault or Apologize
It is natural to want to apologize after an accident, but any statement that could be interpreted as admitting fault may be used against you later. When speaking with the other driver, police, or insurance companies, stick to the facts. Do not speculate about what happened or who was responsible. Let the investigators and your attorney sort out liability.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your rights from the very beginning. They can advise you on dealing with insurance companies, help preserve evidence, and evaluate the strength of your potential claim. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is typically no upfront cost to you. The sooner you get legal guidance, the better positioned you may be.
When to Seek Legal Help
Not every car accident requires an attorney, but many situations benefit from professional legal guidance. Consider reaching out to an attorney if:
- You or a passenger sustained injuries that required medical treatment
- The insurance company is delaying, undervaluing, or denying your claim
- There is a dispute about who was at fault
- A commercial vehicle, government vehicle, or rideshare was involved
- The accident resulted in a fatality
- You are unsure about your legal rights or the process
Remember: in New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years, but acting sooner helps preserve evidence and strengthens your position.
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