Injured in a Car Accident in New York? Here’s What to Do Immediately to Protect Your Rights
A car crash can feel like the world flipped upside down. You may be injured, shocked or not knowing what to do next. The decisions you make during the first hours and days are important. They influence your recovery process, the way insurance handles your claim and whether you will be able to recover fair compensation in future.
This is a guide on the immediate action to be taken following a car accident. You will know how to act at the scene, how to deal with police and insurers and when to Hire a Lawyer. Use this as a basic guideline that you can use in case of the worst.
Step 1: Get to Safety and Call 911 Immediately
The first one is to check yourself and others with injuries. In case somebody is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Provided that it is safe, pull your car out of the traffic to prevent a collision. NYC streets are busy.
A car that has stopped can easily turn out to be dangerous. Always dial 911 in case of injury, extensive damage of a vehicle, or a conflict as to the cause of action. A police report is important even in the case of a minor crash.
Upon arrival of the NYPD, present them with the facts: the location of the incident, the circumstances and the participants. Be calm and stick to the facts.
Why a Police Report Is Critical in New York ?
A police report is a record of the crash. Insurance companies use it when assessing claims. Lawyers later use it to gather facts. The report can contain the observations of the officers, diagrams and testimonies of the drivers or witnesses. In case the police fail to issue a report, inquire why – and obtain the name and badge number of the officer. Written report is a security measure in case the other party has a different story to tell in future.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Feel “Fine”
Other injuries do not manifest immediately. Whiplash, concussion, and internal injuries may not be severe in the beginning but become severe as time goes by. This is why you need to visit an EMT or an urgent care or an emergency room following a crash.
Provide medical personnel with the precise version of the events and enumerate any symptoms regardless of their minor nature such as feeling dizzy, pain in the neck, or nausea. Retain copies of all medical reports, tests and bills. Such documents are important documents in case you claim anything later in an insurance or a lawsuit.
Common Car Accident Injuries
- Back and neck injuries – in most cases, caused by abrupt jerking.
- Brain injuries – even a minor concussion counts.
- Fractures and soft-tissue injuries – broken bones, sprains and tears.
By deferring care, insurance companies can wonder whether you got injured in the accident. The initial healthcare safeguards your health and your claim.
Step 3: Document the Accident Scene Like Your Case Depends on It (Because It Does)
You should take plenty of photos and videos, as much as you can. Photograph the entire scene: all the vehicles, damage, skid marks, traffic signs, crossroads, and road conditions. Take shots at different angles and incorporate close-ups of the damage and any apparent injuries.
Record the name of the other driver, phone number, license plate, driver license number and insurance details. Request contact details of any witnesses. The eyewitnesses of the accident are highly useful in the future.
Write a brief dated message on how you felt and what you recall. Your memory fades fast. A brief message between 24-48 hours is helpful.
What NOT to Say at the Scene
- Do not confess or apologize in a manner that makes it seem that you were the cause of the crash.
- Don’t guess or make up details. Stick to what you saw.
- Never sign anything by the other motorist or an insurer without reading it or consulting a lawyer.
Stay polite, but brief.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company — Carefully
Medical bills will come first before you use your no-fault insurance benefits in New York. That is to say that your own insurer might cover some of your medical bills regardless of the cause of the crash. Nevertheless, you will have to inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
Call in and provide the facts date, time, place, and the information of the other driver. Do not make lengthy statements at first. Insurers will even demand information to minimize payments. You must be honest but you do not have to tell the whole story until you have discussed it with a lawyer in case the injury is severe.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Insurance Claim
- Making a recorded statement too early or unsolicited.
- Making a quick settlement without knowing what will be required in the future in a medical way.
- Scheduling appointments without reading them.
When the claim is complicated, or an insurer is unfair, then consider a lawyer before accepting a settlement.
Step 5: Understand Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident
The no-fault regulations of New York imply that you can receive a certain amount of care on your own insurance. However, the no-fault does not prevent you from claiming personal injuries in cases of serious injuries. In such cases you can go outside no-fault and claim pain, lost wages or long-term injury.
One of them: there is a time limit to a lawsuit. Procrastination will cost you the privilege to pursue money in court.
Why NYC Car Accident Cases are More Complex
New York City is accompanied by additional problems: traffic jams, delivery vehicles, cabs, buses, and rideshare drivers. The crashes may involve more than two cars or even several parties that are liable. When it comes to a commercial vehicle, it might be the responsibility of the company not only of the driver. These are some of the factors that complicate the sorting of fault and damages. This is the reason why clear documentation and legal direction is so essential.
Step 6: When Should You Contact a Lawyer for a Car Accident Injury?
The first thing to do in case of serious injuries, when the other driver refuses to admit his/her fault, or when the insurance company refuses or slows down your claim, is to seek the services of a lawyer.
These circumstances may easily get stressful and disorienting. Early access to the right legal assistance can save your rights and relieve you of the burden as you concentrate on the healing process.
At SIH Attorneys, our staff assists victims of car accidents with all the phases of the legal procedure. Since the first day, we protect your interests.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can:
- Collect and preserve important evidence including photos, police reports, and medical records.
- Consult medical practitioners to relate your injuries to the accident.
- Negotiate directly with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Go to court if necessary.
What SIH Attorneys Can Do to You
SIH Attorneys examine your accident, interview witnesses, and watch traffic camera video where possible. We clarify your rights to sue in simple terms, calculate the worth of your case, and negotiate, such that you do not feel compelled to take a low offer. We are ready to get your case to court in case the insurance company is not fair.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Car Accident Claim
Avoid these common errors:
- Delaying medical care. Late treatment may be doubted by insurance and courts. The insurance company will review your medical records. If you don’t see a doctor, they may not take it seriously.
- Sharing information about the accident on social media. Your statements and photos can be used against you.
- Failure to meet insurance deadlines. Inform your insurer as soon as possible and proceed with claims.
- Failure to seek the services of a lawyer at an early stage. The initial legal assistance can retain evidence and avoid errors.
Be attentive, be organized and be fast. Even simple mistakes can decrease the worth of your claim.
Conclusion: Your Health, Your Rights, and Your Future
A few correct measures can help a lot. Seek medical attention immediately, and continuously, and take notes and be cautious when conversing with insurance companies. One of the best things to do is to seek legal assistance as soon as possible in case your injuries are severe or the case itself seems to be incomprehensible. Remember, if you don’t seek medical treatment, no one (including the insurance company) knows that you are hurting.
SIH Attorneys are present to defend your rights and take you through the next steps. Timely response will save evidence and will reinforce your case. Do not wait in case you were involved in a car accident and were wounded. Contact SIH Attorneys and have a Free Consultation and make the first step toward securing your recovery and your future.
FAQ
What If the Accident Was Not My Fault?
Call 911, get medical attention, take notes and file the crash with your insurer. Note down bills and wasted time. In case of serious injuries or when the fault is in question, consult a lawyer.
Am I Still Entitled to Receive Compensation in Case I Was Partly at Fault?
Maybe. Let us figure this out for you and see how we can help.
How Much I Can Get Back After I Have Been Involved in a Car Accident?
Depending on your situation, you can recover money used on medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment expenses. Long-term disability or the inability to earn can also be compensated in severe cases of injuries. Each case is unique and therefore one should seek legal advice.
Is a Police Report Required in a Minor Accident in NYC?
Even minor crashes can be quite useful with the help of a police report. It provides an objective report that is used by the insurers and lawyers. In the event police do not arrive, attempt to make a report on the internet or at a local precinct.
What Happens when the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
Although the other driver might be uninsured or underinsured, you still might have options. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may be available in your own auto policy and it may assist in covering your medical bills and other losses. We can look at your policy and tell you what is covered.
What Is the Cost of the Legal Services?
The majority of car accident lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis, and this implies that you do not pay anything in advance. If we take your case on a contingency, we do not get paid unless you get paid. This enables the injured victims to seek legal assistance without fearing to pay out of pocket in the process of recovery.
