Taking the proper steps after a New York City car accident can mean the difference between receiving a generous payout for your injuries and receiving nothing at all.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Report the Accident
New York law requires drivers to call the police any time a collision results in injuries of any kind. You must also call the police if a domestic animal is injured or a parked vehicle is damaged.
You aren’t required to call the police if the only damage is damage to another vehicle, but you should be careful. Sometimes you don’t know that. For example, whiplash is invisible, and the symptoms take a few days to appear.
In most cases, it’s wisest to go ahead and call the police.
If you don’t call the police and the accident caused damage of over $1,000 to the property of any one person, you must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
Gather Driver Information
New York law also requires drivers to exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information after accidents.
We recommend taking a photo of the other driver’s insurance card, as it’s very easy to transcribe a policy number during the stress of an auto accident. You should also note if the other driver isn’t insured or refuses to provide the appropriate information.
Gather Witness Information
Your best chance of finding witnesses supporting your case is right at the scene on the day of the accident.
So, take the time to gather names and numbers. Have each person text you and save them as a contact so you can pull them up accurately later. Again, you don’t want to lose a valuable witness because you transcribed a number.
Take Photographs
Take as many photographs as you can. Take more than you think you need to take.
- Take photos of the exterior of your car from every angle.
- Take photos of the overall crash site from every angle.
- Photo cameras, road conditions, and hazards.
- If there are skid marks on the ground, photograph those.
- Photograph the interior of the car from every angle.
- Photograph your own injuries.
Never photograph anyone else’s injuries. Doing so can be considered a privacy violation.
Receive Medical Treatment
If you have obvious, life-threatening, catastrophic injuries, you should call 911. Calling 911 will alert the police and the ambulance, so you don’t have to make two calls.
If you don’t call the ambulance or go to the emergency room, you should make an appointment with urgent care or see your primary care doctor immediately, even if you don’t think you are hurt.
Follow every one of your doctor’s instructions. If you fail to do so, insurance companies may use this failure against you.
Call a New York Personal Injury Lawyer
You don’t need to wait to call a lawyer. You can do it the moment you are medically capable of doing so.
Minor injuries are handled through no-fault insurance. Major injuries need a lawyer. Call our office today if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
See also:
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York City
The Importance of Documenting Your New York Personal Injury Claim