Immediate Actions Following a Car Accident in New York

I. Immediate Safety Measures (First 5 Minutes)

A. Secure the Scene

Check for injuries (self and others)
Move to safe location if possible
Turn on hazard lights
Set up warning triangles/flares if available
Stay inside vehicle if unsafe to exit

B. Emergency Response

Call 911 immediately if:

Any injuries present
Vehicle damage exceeds $1,000
Road blockage exists
Hazardous conditions present
Commercial vehicles involved

II. Critical Documentation (First 15 Minutes)

A. Police Report Details

Ensure accurate recording of:

Names of all involved parties
Vehicle positions
Weather conditions
Road conditions
Witness information
Officer badge numbers

B. Photographic Evidence

Document thoroughly:

All vehicle damage
License plates
Skid marks
Traffic signals/signs
Weather conditions
Road conditions
Visible injuries

III. Essential Information Exchange (First 30 Minutes)

A. Required Information

Collect from all parties:

Driver's license numbers
Vehicle registration
Insurance information
Contact details
Vehicle make/model
License plate numbers

B. Witness Documentation

Gather from witnesses:

Names and contact info
Brief statements
Location during accident
What they observed
Recording permission

IV. Medical Attention Protocol

A. Immediate Medical Care

Seek evaluation if experiencing:

Any pain or discomfort
Head trauma symptoms
Neck or back pain
Dizziness/confusion
Visible injuries

B. Documentation Requirements

Record all:

Initial symptoms
Treatment received
Healthcare providers
Diagnostic tests
Prescribed medications

V. Insurance Notification Procedures

A. Initial Report

Contact your insurer with:

Basic accident details
Other party's information
Police report number
Photos of damage
Witness information

B. No-Fault Benefits

File within 30 days:

Application for benefits
Medical authorization
Wage verification
Assignment of benefits
Treatment plans

VI. Evidence Preservation

A. Physical Evidence

Preserve all:

Damaged personal items
Vehicle parts
Accident debris
Torn/bloody clothing
Environmental evidence

B. Digital Documentation

Save all:

Photos and videos
Text messages
Email correspondence
Phone records
GPS data

VII. Post-Accident Documentation

A. Personal Records

Maintain detailed records of:

Pain and symptoms
Medical appointments
Medication effects
Daily limitations
Lost work time

B. Expense Tracking

Document all costs:

Medical bills
Transportation expenses
Property damage
Lost wages
Rental car fees

VIII. Common Mistakes to Avoid

A. Immediate Errors

Don't:

Admit fault
Discuss accident on social media
Provide recorded statements
Sign any documents
Leave scene prematurely

B. Follow-up Errors

Avoid:

Delaying medical care
Ignoring symptoms
Missing appointments
Losing documentation
Speaking with other's insurance

IX. Legal Considerations

A. When to Contact an Attorney

Seek legal counsel if:

Serious injuries occur
Fault is disputed
Multiple parties involved
Insurance issues arise
Commercial vehicles involved

B. Document Retention

Keep all:

Medical records
Police reports
Insurance correspondence
Witness statements
Expense receipts

X. Follow-up Actions

A. Short-term Tasks (Within 48 Hours)

Complete:

DMV accident report
Insurance claim forms
Medical evaluations
Vehicle damage assessment
Work absence notification

B. Long-term Monitoring

Track:

Medical progress
Insurance claims
Vehicle repairs
Lost time/wages
Ongoing symptoms

Essential Tips to Remember

Safety First: Always prioritize personal safety and medical needs
Document Everything: Take photos, gather information, keep records
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor
Report Properly: File all necessary reports with police and DMV
Preserve Evidence: Keep all accident-related items and documents

Emergency Contact Numbers

Police Emergency: 911
NYPD (non-emergency): 311
NY DMV: (518) 486-9786
Insurance Department: (800) 342-3736
Towing Information: (212) 341-6400