For many of us, cars are an essential part of our daily lives, but a car accident in NYC or on Long Island can quickly turn an ordinary day upside down. One moment you could be driving to work, picking up groceries, or going to see family, and the next you’re dealing with shock, confusion, and potentially life-changing injuries.
In the hustle and bustle of NYC and Long Island, vehicle accidents are unfortunately very common due to heavy congestion, aggressive driving, and often unpredictable road conditions. That is why knowing what to do after a crash can help protect both your health and your legal rights. To help, we will take a closer look at the first step you should take if you’ve been involved in an accident.
First Priority is Safety After a Vehicle Accident
No matter the cause of the accident or your location, the first priority in any car accident in NYC or Long Island is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. After a collision, take a moment to assess yourself, any passengers, and any bystanders for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately.
If everyone is safe and your vehicles can be moved safely, pull over to the side of the road or out of traffic. In busy metro areas or on long highways, staying in an active lane can put you in harm’s way and increase the risk of additional accidents. Be sure to turn on your hazard lights and stand clear of passing traffic if safe to do so.
Contact the Local Police for an Accident in NYC & Long Island
Once the safety of all parties has been confirmed, the next step is to contact the police. Even if the damage appears minor and no one is injured, reporting the incident and obtaining an official motor vehicle collision report can be essential later when filing a claim. The police officers who attend the scene will record essential information, such as:
- Location and time of the crash
- Driver and vehicle information of all parties involved
- Statements from any witnesses who saw the incident
- Their expert initial observations about the road conditions
Your insurance company will then use the information in the report to evaluate claims. Without one, disputes over what happened become more likely and far more complicated than they need to be.
When you contact the police, the call handler will provide a rough arrival time, but in the city, this can take some time. It is very important that you remain at the scene and wait until the accident is officially recorded.
Exchange Insurance and Contact Information
While waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with any other drivers involved. You want to ensure that you collect:
- Their name and contact information
- Their driver’s license numbers
- Their license plate numbers
- Insurance company details and policy numbers
- The make and model of the vehicle
If there are any witnesses nearby, politely ask them for their contact details as well. These independent witness accounts can add valuable support to your claim and help to clarify exactly what happened should liability be disputed. It is natural for emotions to run high after an accident as adrenaline surges through your body, but it is important to remain calm and avoid arguing or discussing who was at fault, as even casual comments can be misinterpreted.
Document the Scene with Pictures
Your phone is one of the most powerful tools you have after an accident, so be sure to use it. Take photos and videos of the scene and conditions, as this can help preserve crucial evidence before anything changes. You will want to capture any damage to the vehicle (from multiple angles), traffic signals and road signs, skid marks and debris, road conditions, lighting, injuries, and the surrounding area and traffic patterns.
In NYC and on Long Island, traffic and conditions can change rapidly, so gathering evidence as soon as it is safe can be very helpful later.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Many people involved in car accidents in NYC or on Long Island may not show signs of injury right away. Adrenaline can often mask pain for several hours following a crash, while injuries like concussions, whiplash, and soft tissue may take time to appear. Seeing a doctor will help protect your health, establish a clear medical record, and link injuries directly to the accident.
Delaying treatment can give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries were either unrelated or not serious, so the sooner you can seek treatment, the better for your claim. Many insurance policies will typically provide no-fault benefits that cover medical expenses and lost wages, but timely medical documentation is critical.
Notify your Insurance Company
You should also notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the basic facts of the accident, but avoid providing a detailed recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney and know your rights.
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims quickly, and while they may seem friendly and helpful, their primary goal is to minimize payouts. You also do not need to accept the first settlement or discuss injuries until you fully understand the extent of your damages.
Know Your Legal Options and Rights for a Car Accident in NYC & Long Island
Car accidents in NYC or on Long Island can often lead to unexpected financial stress from medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, and long-term recovery costs. If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you also have the right to pursue compensation beyond basic insurance coverage; however, navigating insurance claims and legal processes while recovering from an injury can be overwhelming.
Working with an experienced attorney can help take the stress and hassle off you while ensuring you can claim what you deserve. Here at Sigler & Ingber Accident and Injury Attorneys, we are highly experienced in dealing with vehicle accidents in New York and Long Island, and are here for you every step of the way, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Want to find out more about our services and how we can help you? Contact our team today for your free consultation.
Siler & Ingber Accident & Injury Attorneys
The Law Firm You Can Trust When It Matters Most
Offices: 301 Mineola Blvd., Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 294-2666
Website: https://www.nylawnet.com/
Email: ringber@nylawnet.com
Serving clients across New York City and Long Island. No fee unless we win your case.