Distracted driving is a leading cause of New York City collisions. In 2022, a total of 28,753 vehicles were involved in a collision in New York City as a result of inattention or distraction on the part of the driver. [1]
Stay at the Scene of the Accident
After being involved in a car accident in New York City, stay at the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can have serious consequences.
Pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. This will alert other drivers to the presence of an accident and help prevent further accidents or injuries. If possible, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic to avoid obstructing the road.
Staying at the scene allows you to assess the situation and determine if anyone requires immediate medical attention. If there are any injuries, call for medical assistance right away. It is also a good idea to check on the well-being of the other parties involved in the accident.
Report the Crash
Call the police, especially if there are any injuries, significant property damage, or if the accident involves a hit-and-run. The police report created by the responding officer will provide an official record of the accident, which will be needed when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
When reporting the crash, provide accurate and concise information to the police officer. Provide details about the accident, the parties involved, and any injuries sustained. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating or assigning blame.
If the police do not respond to the accident scene, you can visit your local police precinct or go online to file an accident report. In New York City, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles provides an online resource for reporting accidents involving property damage. If there are injuries involved, a personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of reporting the accident and filing an accident report.
Get Contact Information of Witnesses
- Approach the witnesses: Once you have ensured everyone's safety and contacted the necessary authorities, approach any potential witnesses who are willing to stay at the scene. Politely ask if they saw what happened and if they would be willing to provide a statement or be a witness if needed.
- Exchange contact information: After obtaining their consent, exchange contact information with the witnesses. Make sure to collect their full names, phone numbers, and email addresses. This information will make it easier for you or your attorney to reach out to them if necessary.
- Gather additional details: While collecting their contact information, it can also be helpful to gather additional details from the witnesses. Ask them if they noticed any important factors leading up to the accident, such as speeding, running a red light, or distracted driving. Take note of any specific details they provide, as these may strengthen your case.
- Clarify their observations: Ensure that the witnesses understand what they witnessed accurately. Ask them to describe the accident from their perspective and if they saw who was at fault. Ask open-ended questions and avoid leading them into a specific narrative.
- Document witness statements: Document the witnesses' statements by taking detailed notes or recording their testimony on your phone. Be sure to capture their observations and any relevant details that could support your case later on. Always ask for their permission before recording any conversation.
- Keep track of witnesses: After the accident, keep track of the witnesses and their contact information. If you involve a personal injury lawyer, provide them with this information promptly. Promptly sharing the information with your lawyer ensures they can reach out to witnesses if needed and potentially secure their testimony in the future.
Seek Medical Attention
Hidden Injuries:
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent after an accident. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain or symptoms, leading you to underestimate the severity of your injuries. Internal injuries, whiplash, and soft tissue damage can manifest later on. By seeking medical attention, a healthcare provider can thoroughly examine you and identify any hidden injuries.
Documentation for Insurance Claims:
Seeking medical attention promptly after a car accident can provide crucial documentation for your insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require medical records as evidence of your injuries and their link to the accident. Without this documentation, your claim may be more challenging to substantiate. By visiting a doctor, you can obtain official medical records to support your claim.
Preventing Late-Onset Injuries:
Some injuries may not fully present symptoms until hours or even days after an accident. By seeking medical attention quickly, you can receive prompt diagnosis and treatment for these injuries. Timely treatment can prevent further complications and minimize the risk of long-term damage.
Building a Strong Case:
If you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, seeking medical attention promptly helps strengthen your case. Having medical records that show your injuries were a direct result of the accident can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. The sooner you seek medical attention, the easier it is to establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
Protecting Your Health and Well-being:
Seeking medical attention after a car accident is about prioritizing your health and well-being. Even minor accidents can cause underlying injuries or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. A healthcare professional can provide appropriate care, recommend necessary treatments or therapies, and ensure you are on the path to recovery.
Report the Accident to the Insurance Company
- Insurance Coverage: Reporting the accident allows your insurance company to start the process of assessing your claim and determining the coverage you may be entitled to. This is especially important if the accident resulted in property damage or personal injuries.
- Timely Notification: Many insurance policies have specific time limitations for reporting accidents. Failing to report the accident within the given timeframe may result in your claim being denied.
- Preserving Evidence: Reporting the accident to your insurance company also allows you to preserve any evidence related to the incident. This can include photographs of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle or other property, and any witness statements.
- Claims Process: After reporting the accident, your insurance company will guide you through the claims process. They will provide you with the necessary forms and information you need to file your claim correctly. They may assign an insurance adjuster to your case, who will assess the damage, review medical records (if applicable), and estimate the cost of repairs or compensation.
- Communication with Other Involved Parties: Your insurance company can also handle communication with other involved parties, such as the other driver's insurance company. This helps streamline the process and ensures that all necessary information is exchanged promptly. It also relieves you of the burden of dealing directly with the other party's insurance company, which can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming.
Contact An Accident Attorney
Protect Your Rights:
After a car accident, it is essential to understand your rights. Insurance companies often try to minimize their financial responsibility, which can leave accident victims at a disadvantage. By contacting an accident attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Navigate the Legal Process:
The legal process following a car accident can be complicated and confusing. From filing insurance claims to negotiating with insurance adjusters, an accident attorney can handle all the legal aspects of your case. They have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system effectively, ensuring that you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Determine Fault and Liability:
An accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. They will work to build a strong case proving the other party’s negligence, ultimately increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Maximize Your Compensation:
Accident victims are entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An accident attorney will fight to maximize your compensation by accurately assessing the value of your claim and considering both economic and non-economic damages. They have the experience to negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigate your case in court.
Personalized Support and Guidance:
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. An accident attorney not only provides legal support but also offers personalized guidance throughout the process. They can manage communication with insurance companies on your behalf. Many people feel inundated with insurance and medical appointments following an accident, so this can take some of the pressure off.
Don't navigate the aftermath of a car accident alone.
Let Goldberg & Loren’s New York personal injury lawyers handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. We have a proven track record of success with car accident claims in NYC, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice you seek.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation.
Source:
[1] Bieber, C. (2023, June 30). NYC Car Accident Statistics In 2023. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/nyc-car-accident-statistics/
